Why measles deaths are surging — and coronavirus could make it worse

Why measles deaths are surging — and coronavirus could make it worse

Measles deaths surge as vaccinations halt

The world’s most contagious virus has killed more than 6,500 children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cases began to spike in October 2018, and have since mushroomed into what WHO experts say might be the largest documented measles outbreak in one country since the measles vaccine was developed in 1963. The situation will only worsen with the COVID-19 pandemic: more than 20 countries have already suspended measles-vaccination campaigns as health-care workers scramble to deal with coronavirus.

Nature | 8 min read