Measles cases in Europe reach highest levels since 1997
Exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic
An alarming surge in measles cases has been reported in Europe, with 127,350 instances documented for the year 2024—double the number from the previous year and the highest since 1997, according to an analysis conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
The report reveals that children under five accounted for over 40% of these reported cases across 53 European and Central Asian countries. More than half of the reported cases required hospitalisation, and there have been 38 confirmed deaths based on preliminary data received as of March 6, 2025.
Measles cases in the region have steadily declined since 1997, when 216,000 cases were reported, reaching a record low of just 4,440 cases in 2016. However, the trend reversed with a significant increase in cases in 2018 and 2019, when 89,000 and 106,000 were recorded, respectively.
This resurgence has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a decline in immunisation rates and a sharp increase in cases in 2023 and 2024. Vaccination coverage in many countries has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, elevating the risk of outbreaks.
“This surge in measles cases is a wake-up call for Europe. We must prioritise vaccination to ensure health security. We cannot afford to lose ground as we develop a new regional health strategy for Europe and Central Asia. Every country must take action to reach under-vaccinated communities,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “The measles virus never rests – and neither can we.”
Europe alone accounted for a third of the global measles cases in 2024. In the previous year, 500,000 children in the region missed the first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1), which is typically administered through routine immunisation services.
“Measles cases have surged across Europe and Central Asia over the past two years, indicating gaps in immunisation coverage,” said Regina De Dominicis, Unicef Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “To protect children from this deadly disease, urgent government action is required, including sustained investment in healthcare workers.”
Measles is among the most contagious viruses, leading to severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhoea, and dehydration. It can also cause long-term damage, such as blindness, and severely compromise the immune system, leaving survivors vulnerable to other infections. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.
Countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania reported measles vaccination rates below the critical 95% coverage needed to maintain herd immunity. In 2023, less than 80% of children in these countries received the MCV1 vaccine. In some areas, including Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro, coverage rates have remained consistently low for over five years.
Romania reported the highest number of cases in 2024, with 30,692, followed closely by Kazakhstan, which had 28,147.
Globally, measles remains a significant threat. In 2024, 359,521 measles cases were reported worldwide. The virus spreads quickly across borders, and outbreaks can occur wherever un- or under-vaccinated populations exist, particularly among children.
Unicef and WHO are working with national governments, the European Union, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to prevent and respond to outbreaks. Efforts include strengthening immunisation programmes, training healthcare workers, and launching measles catch-up campaigns.
The two agencies have called on governments with active outbreaks to step up case finding, contact tracing, and emergency vaccination campaigns. They say governments must address the root causes of epidemics, improve health systems, and ensure equitable access to vaccines.
Countries without current outbreaks are urged to remain vigilant, address gaps in immunity, foster public trust in vaccines, and maintain robust health systems to prepare for potential outbreaks.
Image: Europe alone accounted for a third of the global measles cases in 2024. Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich
