Re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the post-elimination era
by Chirag K. Kumar, Nathan C. Lo Measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are re-emerging worldwide in locations where they were once eliminated. Targeted policy interventions in the locations at greatest risk may be an effective strategy to curb this public health threat. Measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are re-emerging worldwide in locations where they were once eliminated.…
Measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are resurfacing globally in areas that once eradicated them. To mitigate this public health threat, targeted policy interventions in locations at highest risk may prove effective, according to a study published in PLoS Medicine. The research, led by Kumar CK and Lo NC, highlights the resurgence of diseases like measles, which has posed the greatest threat among vaccine-eliminated diseases, with seven countries losing their World Health Organization measles elimination status in 2025-2026.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been the target of vaccine misinformation and politicized discussions, leading to vaccine hesitancy and reduced vaccine uptake. Other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio and diphtheria, are also at risk of re-emergence. To combat this growing threat, a collaborative effort between public health practitioners, clinicians, scientists, community leaders, and policymakers is needed to implement targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
Written by urgent.news from PLOS Medicine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
