Measles Resurgence in Europe: A Growing Public Health Concern

Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, is making a dramatic and alarming return across Europe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, 2024 saw the region’s highest measles case count since 1997, with 127,350 infections reported—more than double the number from 2023. This resurgence has reignited concerns about immunization gaps, which health experts warn could lead to further outbreaks if left unaddressed.

The troubling rise in measles cases

The WHO’s European region, encompassing 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, accounted for nearly one-third of the 359,521 measles cases reported globally in 2024. Tragically, 38 deaths were recorded in the region as of March 2025. In a joint statement, WHO and UNICEF described the situation as a “wake-up call,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent a deeper health crisis.

Romania reported the highest number of measles cases in Europe with 30,692 infections in 2024, followed by Kazakhstan with 28,147. Other countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have faced persistent challenges, with vaccination rates falling well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. In Montenegro, for instance, fewer than 50% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1) in 2023.

Post-COVID-19 vaccine coverage challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted routine vaccination programs, leaving many children unprotected. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of children receiving their first dose of the measles vaccine dropped by 10%. In 2023 alone, 500,000 children across the European region missed their MCV1 dose, according to WHO and UNICEF. This has created significant immunity gaps, particularly among children under five, who account for over 40% of reported cases.

Experts also point to the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake. Fatima Čengić, UNICEF’s chief of immunization for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the role of “medical populism” and anti-vaccine narratives, which have gained traction in several countries. “We’ve been calling on governments to do a catch-up—to find all the children who didn’t get a vaccination and make sure they are getting vaccinated,” she said.

The human cost of measles

Measles is far more than a rash and fever; it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and even death. According to WHO, 107,500 measles-related deaths were reported globally in 2023, predominantly among unvaccinated children under five. Approximately 60% of all measles patients in Europe required hospitalization last year, underscoring the disease’s significant burden on healthcare systems.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, emphasized the critical role of vaccines in ensuring health security. “Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security,” he stated. The measles virus’s ability to “erase” the immune system’s memory further compounds its danger, leaving survivors vulnerable to other infections.

Urgent action needed

Health organizations and governments are working to reverse the trend. WHO and UNICEF have launched catch-up immunization campaigns across affected regions, focusing on high-risk communities. Efforts include training healthcare workers, strengthening vaccine supply chains, and conducting public awareness campaigns to combat misinformation.

In countries with active outbreaks, emergency measures like intensified case finding, contact tracing, and mass vaccination drives are underway. However, experts stress that long-term solutions require addressing systemic issues such as inequitable access to healthcare and vaccine hesitancy.

A regional and global call to action

The resurgence of measles in Europe is part of a broader global trend, with significant outbreaks also reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States, and other regions. This highlights the interconnected nature of public health and the importance of coordinated international efforts.

“It is imperative that countries analyze the root causes of outbreaks, address weaknesses in their health systems, and strategically utilize epidemiological data to close coverage gaps,” WHO and UNICEF stated. Rebuilding public trust in vaccines and ensuring high immunization rates are crucial to preventing future outbreaks.

The resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and robust healthcare systems. Without urgent action, the gains made in controlling this deadly disease could be lost, putting millions at risk. The time to act is now.