{
  "id": 2772315,
  "title": "11 million measles cases expected worldwide in 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/11-million-measles-cases-expected-worldwide-in-2026",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T09:41:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/europe/11-million-measles-cases-expected-worldwide-in-2026-1.500649483"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health officials have issued a stark warning about a predicted global surge in measles cases for 2026, with an estimated 11 million people at risk worldwide. This alarming forecast stems from a decline in vaccination rates, which has led to a surge in outbreaks across numerous regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates the majority of these cases will occur in Africa and Asia, while the virus has also begun to re-emerge in countries with well-developed healthcare systems.\n\nMeasles, the most contagious disease globally, poses a significant threat due to its rapid spread. There is currently no specific treatment available for the virus; however, vaccines have been proven to be both safe and effective in preventing infection. To curb the highly contagious nature of measles, communities require vaccination coverage of over 95 percent. Although a single dose of the vaccine provides protection for most individuals, health authorities strongly recommend administering two doses for optimal immunity.\n\nIn most high-income countries, vaccination rates are approaching the target threshold. Europe, for instance, records an average of 94 percent of children receiving one dose of the measles vaccine and approximately 88 percent receiving two doses. Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries, only around 80 percent of young children receive at least one dose of the vaccine. Alarmingly, this rate drops to about 70 percent among children who receive two doses, highlighting the urgent need for improved vaccination efforts in these regions.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}