Forgotten Diseases on the Rise: Measles, TB, and More

The resurgence of certain diseases is a major global health issue. Once thought to be eradicated or under control, for many reasons everything has changed.

In this article, we will tell you which forgotten diseases are on the rise.

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that was one of the leading causes of childhood deaths before the advent of a vaccine in the 1960s. Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease worldwide, and in some countries, the disease has been virtually eradicated.

But in recent years, measles cases have begun to rise, especially in countries where vaccination rates have fallen. In some countries, parents are refusing to vaccinate their children because of false beliefs about the dangers of vaccines spread on social media. The ease with which people can travel means that unvaccinated people can spread the virus to areas where it had previously been eradicated.

To control measles, at least 95% of the population must be vaccinated. A decrease in this figure leads to outbreaks.

Consequences of the disease:

The resurgence of measles has led to major outbreaks in Europe, North America, and other areas where the incidence was previously low. It has led to hospitalizations, complications including encephalitis, and deaths in unvaccinated children and adults.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and other organs. In the early 20th century, TB was a major cause of death, but with the development of antibiotics and improved sanitation, the incidence rate has decreased.

TB has become a major problem again in recent decades.

The main causes of this disease are:

• Antibiotic resistance. Non-adherence to treatment and uncontrolled use of antibiotics have led to the emergence of TB strains that are resistant to standard treatments.
• Social factors. Poor living conditions, overcrowding, poverty, and malnutrition contribute to the spread of infection.
• HIV/AIDS. People with HIV/AIDS are at significantly higher risk of developing active TB, which contributes to an increase in the number of cases.

According to the WHO, TB remains one of the leading causes of death in the world.

Whooping cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing and shortness of breath. It is especially dangerous for young children. Vaccination, which began in the mid-20th century, has significantly reduced the number of cases of the disease.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, a number of countries, including the United States and Europe, have seen an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough. Immunity after vaccination weakens over time, especially if there is no revaccination. Also, the Bordetella pertussis bacterium that causes whooping cough may have changed, which reduces the effectiveness of vaccines. Refusal to vaccinate or lack of revaccination in adults also contributes to the spread of the disease.

The increase in whooping cough leads to hospitalizations, especially among infants. In them, the disease can lead to death.

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Mass vaccination has led to the near eradication of the disease in most countries.

In recent years, polio has re-emerged in some areas, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are ongoing conflicts in some areas, making vaccination difficult.
Local leaders and groups in some countries may oppose vaccination due to religious or cultural beliefs.

The WHO and other international organizations are working to eradicate polio, but resistance and difficulties remain a major problem in some areas.

Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the last century, the widespread use of insecticides and antimalarial drugs has led to a decline in the incidence of the disease in some areas.

However, malaria remains a serious problem in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

The parasites that cause malaria have developed resistance to some antimalarial drugs. Mosquitoes have also developed resistance to insecticides, reducing the effectiveness of control methods. Climate change is also playing a major role. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are helping to expand the range of mosquitoes that carry malaria.

Conclusion

The resurgence of these diseases highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. It is also necessary to use antibiotics responsibly and to monitor infections regularly. Globalization and climate change also play a role in the spread of diseases, requiring common measures