Measles outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic: medico-legal and public health implications

Abstract

The editorial by Werneck 1 highlighted the weaknesses of health systems in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to draw attention to a very topical problem which, in our opinion, is directly related to damages to health systems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.In 2021, it became clear that a major problem of the COVID-19 pandemic was the progressive and uncontrolled decrease of children's routine vaccinations 2 . In particular, a worrying reduction in vaccination coverage has been recorded in developing countries 3 . In addition to having been disadvantaged in the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 4 , these countries have been more affected by public health issues related to the decrease in vaccination coverage for other infectious diseases.This decrease in vaccination coverage for common diseases has, predictably, led to a recent increase in measles cases worldwide 5 . In fact, in the first two months of 2022, measles cases increased about 79% compared to the cases recorded in 2021. This situation is particularly worrying and, in view of its considerable contagiousness, this epidemiological situation will probably worsen further.Moreover, we should highlight that measles is a disease which can cause serious health consequences in children. The possible complications of this pathology are ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death.Especially in the event of permanent damage or death, potential medico-legal issues could be significant. In fact, as already attested in the diagnostic delays of other pathologies, we can say that these public health consequences were foreseeable and avoidable. The inadequate management of vaccination campaigns for diseases other than COVID-19 is a clear breach of national health systems. Health policies have been totally ineffective in this instance. The medium-and long-term effects of this noncompliance could be devastating from both an economic and health point of view. Relatives of children who have died or been permanently injured by measles may take legal action against health facilities. Moreover, they might start class actions against health ministries which have been unable, in various countries around the world, to ensure adequate vaccination coverage for certain diseases, such as measles.

We chased COVID-19; Did we forget Measles? - A machine learning approach to public discourse and sentiment analysis on spiking Measles cases

“…A joint report published in November 2022 by the WHO and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that many children missed their measles vaccines. Many factors may contribute to this, but the primary one is the COVID-19 pandemic [1] [2]. In 2021 alone, 9 million measles cases and 128000 deaths were reported globally due to significantly declined measles vaccinations and weakened measles surveillance procedures due to COVID-19 1 .…”

“…Many factors may contribute to this, but the primary one is the COVID-19 pandemic [1] [2]. In 2021 alone, 9 million measles cases and 128000 deaths were reported globally due to significantly declined measles vaccinations and weakened measles surveillance procedures due to COVID-19 1 . This has caused persistent measles outbreaks in 2022 across the globe and the WHO has stated this as an "imminent threat."…”

Long-term mass population effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: a long way to go

“…Cioffi & Cecannecchia 13 highlight the significance of financing and strengthening health systems to deal with the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is undoubtedly true, but mitigation and recovery strategies should also consider that, although the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly a significant driver of health disruption, it cannot be fully accountable for all post-pandemic health problems.…”

“…Another interesting question raised by Cioffi & Cecannecchia 13 is the possibility of considering the governments responsible for the negative outcomes since some effects of the pandemic could be predicted and avoided. Indeed, the catastrophic response of the Brazilian Federal Government to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by misguided actions and deliberate inactions 20 .…”