1.Introduction to the Problem
Measles cases are rising globally, and new research indicates that undernutrition may be making outbreaks worse in areas with food insecurity. Children who are undernourished may be at a higher risk of catching measles, even if they are vaccinated.
2.Study Reveals the Impact of Undernutrition
A study in South Africa, involving over 600 fully vaccinated children, found that undernourished children had much lower levels of antibodies against measles. Researchers from McGill University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Pretoria tracked the children’s growth and measured their antibody levels through blood tests. They discovered that children who were stunted at around age three had 24% lower measles antibodies by age five compared to their peers who grew at a typical rate.
3.Implications of the Findings
The study, published in Vaccine, suggests that undernutrition may shorten the protection provided by vaccines. This means that children who are not getting enough food could be more vulnerable to viral infections, even if they have been vaccinated. According to Jonathan Chevrier, a senior author of the study, addressing child hunger could play a significant role in preventing viral outbreaks.
4.Measles: A Growing Global Threat
Measles is a contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as rashes, fever, and cough. It can also lead to severe complications, particularly in young children. The disease has become a threat in places where it was once controlled. In 2024, Canada reported its highest number of measles cases in nearly a decade.
5.Global Trends in Measles Cases
From 2000 to 2016, global measles cases declined. However, this trend reversed in 2018, mainly due to under-vaccination and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measles is now making a strong comeback, even though it can be prevented with vaccines and sufficient immunity.
6.The Importance of Vaccination
Brenda Eskenazi, a professor from UC Berkeley and the first author of the study, emphasized the importance of vaccinating children against preventable diseases. She highlighted that this is especially important as climate change could increase the spread of many infectious diseases, including measles.
7.Undernutrition Rates Among Children
Globally, about 22% of children under age five were stunted in 2022. This translates to approximately 148 million children, with the highest rates found in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This underlines the urgent need to address undernutrition to protect children’s health.
8.Future Research Plans
The research team plans to continue monitoring the children in the study as they grow. This will help them understand whether the effects of early-life undernutrition have lasting impacts on health.
9.Conclusion
The findings from this study stress the importance of tackling both undernutrition and vaccination efforts to protect children from diseases like measles. By addressing hunger and ensuring children are vaccinated, we can reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.
10.Funding and Support
This study was funded by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Source:McGill University
Date:Jan 16 2025
