A new study reveals a link between undernutrition and weaker measles immunity in fully vaccinated children, suggesting that addressing child hunger could be key to preventing outbreaks.
A new study suggests that undernutrition may be playing a significant role in exacerbating measles outbreaks in areas facing food insecurity. Conducted in South Africa, the research involved over 600 fully vaccinated children and revealed a strong correlation between undernutrition and weakened immunity against measles. Children who exhibited signs of stunting around the age of three had measurably lower levels of measles antibodies by age five compared to their peers of typical size.
This indicates that tackling child hunger could be a crucial factor in curbing the spread of measles.Measles, a highly contagious viral infection characterized by symptoms like rash, fever, and cough, can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children. Despite the availability of a vaccine and the significant decline in cases between 2000 and 2016, measles has experienced a resurgence globally since 2018. Factors contributing to this resurgence include under-vaccination and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Jonathan Chevrier, senior author of the study and an Associate Professor at McGill University, emphasized the importance of addressing both vaccination and nutrition to effectively combat measles. 'We need to vaccinate children against preventable infectious diseases and ensure they are adequately protected,' he stated. Professor Brian Ward, co-author and Professor in McGill's Department of Medicine, highlighted the urgent need to reverse the trend of rising measles cases. The study's findings underscore the interconnectedness of health issues like malnutrition and infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in light of climate change's potential to exacerbate both. According to Chevrier, approximately 22% of children under five worldwide suffer from stunting, with the highest prevalence in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.The research team plans to continue monitoring the children involved in the study to assess the long-term impact of early-life undernutrition. This study was funded by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Measles Undernutrition Immunity Child Health Vaccination Food Insecurity
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