Morocco is battling a measles outbreak, with cases rising due to falling vaccination rates and misinformation. Authorities have intensified vaccination efforts, checking millions of children’s immunization status. Despite some decline in new infections reported, vaccine hesitancy persists. Campaigns focus on educating the public about the importance of vaccines to combat misinformation and restore trust.
Moroccan authorities are currently facing a serious measles outbreak, a disease that had nearly been eradicated but has resurged due to declining vaccination rates. The outbreak is troubling as measles is highly contagious and can be fatal. In Harhoura, siblings Salma and Souhail await their second measles vaccine dose after their grandmother realized they had missed vaccinations due to a school campaign informing them of their incomplete immunization status.
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and can persist in the air for up to two hours, leading to symptoms like fever, respiratory issues, and rashes. The disease may cause severe complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines, immunization rates have declined significantly due to vaccine misinformation, heightened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
To combat the outbreak, Morocco’s authorities have intensified vaccination campaigns, checking the immunization status of over 10 million schoolchildren since October. More than 25,000 measles cases and 120 deaths have been reported as of late 2023. The situation has drawn international concern, especially from France, which has urged travelers to ensure their vaccinations are current before visiting. Authorities report a downward trend in new infections, committing to continue vaccination efforts until late March to achieve 95% vaccination coverage for herd immunity.
However, only about half of those requiring booster shots had received one by early March. Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas pointed to the public’s fear of vaccines, fueled by widespread misinformation. Mrabet highlighted the impact of the anti-vaccine movement, comparable to a decline in vaccine trust seen in the United States, where fatalities from measles have occurred during outbreaks.
Moroccan health officials have launched campaigns to educate the public about vaccine importance. Imane El Kohen from the education ministry addressed misinformation, particularly the false claim suggesting that the measles vaccine is another dose of the Covid vaccine. Nurse Hasna Anouar noted an increase in vaccine hesitancy among parents since the pandemic, urging health officials to engage with them to explain vaccine necessity. Activist Ali Lotfi identified lockdown measures and hospital fears as contributors to the declining vaccination rates, noting that the health ministry has not sufficiently tackled backlogs in immunizations.
Morocco is facing a significant measles outbreak due to declining vaccination rates, influenced by misinformation that has proliferated since the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities are actively working to combat this by checking the immunization status of schoolchildren and maintaining vaccination campaigns. Despite some progress, challenges remain, particularly concerning public distrust in vaccines. Ongoing educational efforts and combating misinformation are crucial to restore confidence in vaccinations and achieve herd immunity.
Original Source: www.nbcrightnow.com
