Europe's Measles Cases Surge to Highest Levels in 25 Years, Urgent Action Required

The European region saw measles cases double in 2024, with significant implications for public health, particularly among children under five. Health officials warn of a resurgence in the disease linked to declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by the pandemic.

The number of measles cases in Europe reached its highest level in 25 years, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN children's fund, UNICEF. The last year saw a doubling of cases in the European region and Central Asia, calling into question public health measures and vaccination initiatives.

Children under the age of five have been disproportionately affected, making up over 40% of reported cases. WHO’s European director, Hans Henri Kluge, emphasized the importance of high vaccination rates, stating, "Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security." The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective, with a 97% success rate in preventing the virus.

Measles, a highly contagious disease, spreads through respiratory droplets, and symptoms can include high fever, red and watery eyes, cough, and sneezing. The virus poses severe risks, as it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

The joint analysis reported that in 2024, there were 127,350 confirmed measles cases across 53 European countries, the highest count since 1997, with 38 deaths noted by early March 2025. While the number of cases had been declining since 1997, there was a significant increase post-2019, attributed to falling immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, Romania reported the highest number of cases, followed closely by Kazakhstan. Alarmingly, Europe accounted for one-third of the global measles cases in 2024. Health authorities have indicated that the immunization coverage in various countries has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, thus increasing outbreak risks.

With eight out of ten diagnosed cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, it is crucial for global leaders to act swiftly and implement robust vaccination campaigns. Despite concerns, only four countries—Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia—managed to achieve the 95% vaccination threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.

The situation has also raised alarms in the UK, as vaccination rates have dropped below 90%. Experts like Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine warn against misinformation on social media regarding vaccination, urging the public to verify facts through scientific channels.

The reverberations of measles resurging in Europe echo the urgent need for collective efforts to prioritize vaccination as a fundamental aspect of public health.