Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia have surged dramatically, with reported infections doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have labeled this alarming trend a "wake-up call." There were 127,350 cases of measles in the region last year, marking the highest number since 1997.
This surge represents about a third of the total measles cases worldwide, which reached 359,521 in 2024. Disturbingly, more than 40% of the cases in Europe were in children under five years old. The WHO and UNICEF are urging immediate action to boost vaccination rates. In 2023, around half a million children in the region missed their first dose of the measles vaccine, known as MCV1.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are highly effective, with a 97% success rate in preventing the disease. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. In Europe, over half of the cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 38 people died from the disease.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Europe director, stated, "Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call." He emphasized that without high vaccination rates, health security is at risk. Romania reported the highest number of infections last year, with 30,692 cases, followed closely by Kazakhstan, which had 28,147.
Vaccination rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels in many countries, increasing the risk of outbreaks. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania, fewer than 80% of eligible children received their first vaccine dose in 2023. In Montenegro, the vaccination rate has been below 50% for the past five years.
The rise in measles cases follows a decline in reported infections since 1997, when 216,000 cases were documented. However, there was a resurgence in 2018 and 2019, with 89,000 and 106,000 cases, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a drop in immunization coverage, leading to the recent spike in cases.
Health experts warn that misinformation about vaccines can spread quickly, and even a slight decrease in vaccination rates can have serious consequences. Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reminded the public that it’s never too late to get vaccinated.
In the United States, a recent outbreak has resulted in the first measles deaths in a decade, with cases climbing to 256 in Texas and New Mexico. This situation presents a significant challenge for health officials, especially with ongoing vaccine skepticism among some leaders.
As the WHO and UNICEF call for urgent action, public health advocates stress the importance of vaccinations to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children.