Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
A dramatic resurgence of measles cases in Europe has raised serious health alarms, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The number of confirmed cases has surged to the highest level in 25 years, with more than 127,000 reported in 2024 alone. This marks a stark reversal of the steady decline that had been seen in measles cases since the late 1990s. Health officials are attributing this disturbing trend to a significant drop in vaccination rates, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resurgence of measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has sent shockwaves through the European region, which now accounts for approximately a third of the world’s measles cases. The situation is particularly dire in countries such as Romania and Kazakhstan, where the virus has spread rapidly. These countries have recorded the highest number of cases, with Romania reporting a staggering 30,692 cases and Kazakhstan following closely behind with 28,147.
The WHO and UNICEF’s joint report highlights that children under the age of five bear the brunt of this outbreak, representing more than 40% of the cases. As measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, it poses a serious risk, especially to young children whose immune systems are still developing. The disease, while often considered a childhood illness, can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, called the rise in measles cases “a wake-up call.” He emphasized that high vaccination rates are crucial for ensuring public health safety and preventing outbreaks. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, remains the most effective defense against the disease, boasting a 97% effectiveness rate when two doses are administered. However, many European nations have failed to maintain the necessary vaccination levels to achieve herd immunity, leaving large portions of the population vulnerable to the virus.
A crucial factor in the recent spike in measles cases is the dip in immunization rates, a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. As health systems worldwide focused on the fight against the coronavirus, routine vaccination schedules were disrupted, and many parents postponed or skipped vaccinations for their children. In some countries, vaccination rates have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, which has compounded the problem.
The situation in Europe is concerning, with data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealing that a significant proportion of the individuals diagnosed with measles were unvaccinated. According to the ECDC, eight out of 10 people diagnosed with measles in 2024 had not received the MMR vaccine, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. Furthermore, only four European countries—Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia—managed to meet the 95% vaccination threshold necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.
The spread of measles is not limited to Europe. The United States, which had effectively eliminated measles by the year 2000, has seen a resurgence of cases, with two recent deaths attributed to the disease. Both Canada and the U.S. have reported outbreaks, underscoring the global nature of the threat posed by measles. Public health experts have warned that the decline in vaccination rates, along with the rise of misinformation surrounding vaccines, is a major factor driving the recent flare-ups in both North America and Europe.
In the United Kingdom, there is growing concern about falling vaccination rates, especially as data shows that fewer than 90% of children are receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, far below the level required to prevent outbreaks. Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush, a researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, warned that misinformation about vaccines, particularly on social media, has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. “We also learned from the COVID-19 vaccination program that misinformation can travel rapidly and influence people’s decisions,” Dr. Kasstan-Dabush explained. “It’s important to be mindful that vaccine information circulating on social media may not be based on scientific evidence.”
Health experts are urging governments to act quickly to combat the rising threat of measles. The WHO and UNICEF have called on countries with ongoing outbreaks to intensify vaccination efforts, while also advising nations that have not yet experienced widespread measles transmission to remain vigilant and prepare for potential outbreaks. One of the most pressing concerns is the failure to vaccinate children at the necessary levels, which leaves them vulnerable to infection and allows the virus to spread unchecked.
For parents, experts stress the importance of staying up to date with childhood vaccinations. The MMR vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, is widely available and is considered safe and highly effective. Experts also emphasize that misinformation about the vaccine, including unfounded concerns about its safety, should not deter parents from getting their children vaccinated. Vaccines save lives, and as the rise in measles cases proves, failing to vaccinate leaves children at risk of serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
As the WHO and UNICEF continue to monitor the situation in Europe and beyond, it is clear that addressing the decline in vaccination rates is essential to prevent further outbreaks of measles. The resurgence of this disease serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of immunization and the need for global cooperation in the fight against preventable diseases. With sustained efforts to improve vaccine coverage and combat misinformation, the global community can work together to reduce the threat of measles and protect future generations from its devastating effects.
