WHO: Measles cases rose 79 percent in 2023

In this photo taken on Thursday, March 21, 2019, a volunteer nurse examines 6-moth-old Sarobidy, who is infected with measles, while her mother Nifaliana Razaijafisoa looks on, at a healthcare centre in Larintsena, Madagascar. (AP Photo/Laetitia Bezain)

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned measles was spreading at an alarming rate internationally and more than 306,000 cases were reported last year, a jump of 79 percent compared to 2022.

The UN health agency did not have a review of deaths from measles last year but a technical advisor said given the uptick in cases, an increase in deaths in 2023 would be expected.