Prime Highlights:
Measles cases in Europe have increased more than tenfold, with over 32,000 reported from early 2024 to early 2025, up from fewer than 2,400 in 2023.
86% of those infected were unvaccinated, with many cases among young children under four.
Key background:
Measles cases across Europe have surged dramatically, with health authorities forecasting further increases in the coming months. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that from early 2024 to early 2025, over 32,000 cases of measles were documented across the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. This marks a substantial rise compared to fewer than 2,400 cases reported in 2023, signaling a tenfold increase in just one year.
The ECDC has raised concerns that measles cases will continue to climb, particularly since the disease peaked during the first half of 2024. The agency emphasized that, given the ongoing virus circulation, the spring of 2025 could witness even higher case numbers.
Romania has been hit hardest by the outbreak, reporting 27,568 cases. Other affected countries include Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Austria, with all nations in the European Economic Area (EEA) confirming cases. Tragically, the disease has claimed the lives of 18 people in Romania and one in Ireland. The ECDC also highlighted that the vast majority of those infected—approximately 86%—were unvaccinated, with a significant number of cases among children under four years old.
The rising number of cases underscores the critical importance of vaccination, as measles remains one of the most contagious diseases. Experts warn that at least 95% of a population needs to be immunized to prevent widespread outbreaks. Unfortunately, only four European countries—Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia—met this threshold in 2023.
The ECDC is urging the public to check their vaccination status, particularly before international travel, and to consult healthcare professionals if they are uncertain about their or their children’s immunization history. Despite the rise in cases, measles remains preventable through vaccination, with a safe and effective vaccine available for decades.
