The measles outbreak in Europe has reached its highest levels this decade, health officials have warned.
So far this year more than 41,000 people in the European region of the World Health Organisation have succumbed to the virus, WHO reported.
This compare with fewer than 24,000 infections reported throughout last year.
WHO warned of low immunisation levels in some countries.
More than 23,000 people have developed measles in Ukraine this year while six other countries have reported more than a thousand infections – France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, the Russian Federation and Serbia.
WHO regional director Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab said: “Following the decade’s lowest number of cases in 2016, we are seeing a dramatic increase in infections and extended outbreaks.
“We call on all countries to immediately implement broad, context-appropriate measures to stop further spread of this disease. Good health for all starts with immunisation, and as long as this disease is not eliminated we are failing to live up to our Sustainable Development Goal commitments.”
She added: “At this mid-term juncture for the European Vaccine Action Plan, we must celebrate our achievements while not losing sight of those who are still vulnerable and whose protection requires our urgent and ongoing attention.
“We can stop this deadly disease. But we will not succeed unless everyone plays their part: to immunise their children, themselves, their patients, their populations – and also to remind others that vaccination saves lives.”
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