Recently, an outbreak of the Measles broke out in Europe, especially Italy and Romania.
Per WHO, “In the first month of this year, Italy reported more than 200 cases. Romania has reported more than 3,400 cases and 17 deaths since January 2016.”
The outbreak is not only in Italy and Romania, but the rest of Europe.
The World Health Organization Europe reports, “Over 500 measles cases were reported for January 2017 in the WHO European Region. Measles continues to spread within and among European countries, with the potential to cause large outbreaks wherever immunization coverage has dropped below the necessary threshold of 95%.”
Measles is a highly contagious illness. This means it can spread from country to country rapidly.
BBC explains, “Measles is highly contagious. Travel patterns mean no person or country is beyond its reach, says the WHO.”
Romania lowered the age of those getting the vaccine.
Healio reports, “In response to the outbreak, Romania lowered the age of the first MMR vaccine dose from 12 months to 9 months as part of an effort to fully vaccinate children between the ages of 9 months and 9 years. According to the ECDC, family doctors are registering unvaccinated children for vaccination — with the goal of giving one dose of the MMR vaccine to those under age 5 years and two doses to those between the ages of 5 years and 9 years — while community nurses are mobilizing children mainly in vulnerable population groups.”
One doctor urged action in eliminating measles and making sure it did not spread.
Per WHO Europe, “‘I urge all endemic countries to take urgent measures to stop transmission of measles within their borders, and all countries that have already achieved this to keep up their guard and sustain high immunization coverage. Together we must make sure that the hard-earned progress made towards regional elimination is not lost,’continues Dr Jakab.”
Heartcry Missions Organization works in 37 countries in Europe, both Western and Eastern to spread the Good News to those in need of Christ’s hope.
Heartcry reports, “Their Gospel work encompasses literature and open-air evangelism, church planting, discipleship, theological training, and student ministry.”
Pray for the measles endemic to end and for more missionaries to be raised up to reach Europe with the Good News.
BBC: Measles Outbreak across Europe
Healio: Measles outbreak in Romania grows to 3,400 cases, threatens region
WHO Europe: Measles outbreaks across Europe threaten progress towards elimination
