Global Measles Mortality
The most recent data indicates that approximately 107,500 measles deaths occurred worldwide in 2023, though this represents a concerning increase in cases to over 10 million from the previous year. 1
Current Global Mortality Burden
Estimated 107,500 measles deaths occurred globally in 2023, representing an 8% decrease from 116,800 deaths in 2022. 1
Despite this mortality decrease, measles cases increased 20% worldwide from 2022 to 2023 (from 8,645,000 to 10,341,000 cases), with the mortality reduction primarily explained by cases occurring in countries with lower case-fatality rates rather than true disease control. 1
The number of countries experiencing large or disruptive measles outbreaks increased from 36 to 57 between 2022 and 2023, indicating worsening global control. 1
Historical Context and Progress
Before widespread vaccination efforts, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 1980. 2
By 2000, this had decreased to approximately 733,000-750,000 annual deaths. 3, 2
An estimated 60.3 million measles deaths were averted by vaccination during 2000-2023. 1
The lowest recent mortality estimate was 164,000 deaths in 2008, demonstrating that current figures represent a concerning reversal of progress. 2
Geographic Distribution of Mortality
Low-income countries and those experiencing fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings bear the highest mortality burden, with case-fatality rates varying from <0.01% in industrialized countries to >5% in developing countries. 4, 1
Africa, South America, and Asia remain the most affected continents. 5
In 2007, 69% of the estimated 197,000 measles deaths occurred in the WHO South-East Asian Region alone (136,000 deaths). 3
Key Factors Driving Current Mortality
Global MCV1 coverage stagnated at 83% in 2023, unchanged from 2022, leaving millions of children unprotected. 1
Coverage declined to 81% during the COVID-19 pandemic (the lowest since 2008) and has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. 1
No WHO region has successfully achieved and maintained measles elimination as of the end of 2023, despite all six regions committing to this goal. 1
The case-fatality rate can reach as high as 25% in developing countries, particularly among malnourished children and those with limited access to healthcare. 6
High-Risk Populations for Fatal Outcomes
Infants, young children under 3 years, and adults face the greatest risk of death from measles complications. 7
Immunocompromised individuals (those with leukemias, lymphomas, or HIV infection) experience higher mortality risk. 7
Pregnant women face increased maternal and fetal mortality when infected with measles. 7
Malnourished children have significantly elevated mortality risk, particularly in resource-limited settings. 7
Fatal Complications
Pneumonia is the most common cause of measles-related death. 7
Acute encephalitis occurs in approximately 1 per 1,000 cases and represents a leading cause of measles mortality. 7
Other fatal complications include severe diarrhea with dehydration, secondary bacterial infections, and the rare but invariably fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). 7, 4