Number of measles cases drops worldwide

The number of measles deaths worldwide has apparently dropped by about three-quarters over a decade, according to a new study by the World Health Organization and others.
It’s estimated about 9.6 million children have been saved from dying of measles from 2000 to 2010 after vaccination campaigns were initiated more than a decade ago.

The study shows that most of the deaths from the disease were in India and Africa, where health officials saynot enough children are being immunized.

Dr Peter Stebel is a measles expert at WHO and one of the authors of the study.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases that exists and mostly affects children.

It causes a fever, cough and a rash all over the body.

The disease kills about one to two children for every 1,000 it infects and can also cause pregnant women to have a miscarriage or premature birth.

In recent years, the disease has surged in Europe

Doctors say measles cases are rebounding in Europe because people don't realize how serious the disease is and are skeptical of the vaccine.

Last year was the worst year for measles in the U.S. in 15 years, with 222 cases _ mostly imported by foreign visitors or by U.S. residents infected overseas.

This study is being launched during World Immunisation Week which is aiming to reinforce the importance of immunization and encourage people everywhere to vaccinate themselves and their children against serious diseases. Listen