The European Region has reported its highest number of measles cases in over 25 years, with 127,350 cases in 2024.
This is double the number of reported cases in 2023 and the highest since 1997.
Children under 5 accounted for more than 40% of reported cases in the region comprising 53 countries in Europe and central Asia.
More than half of the reported cases required hospitalization. A total of 38 deaths have been reported, based on preliminary data received as of 6 March 2025.
“Measles cases in the Region have generally been declining since 1997, when some 216,000 were reported, reaching a low of 4,440 cases in 2016. However, a resurgence was seen in 2018 and 2019 with 89,000 and 106,000 cases reported for the 2 years respectively.
“Following a backsliding in immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, cases rose significantly again in 2023 and 2024. Vaccination rates in many countries are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
“Measles remains a significant global threat, with 359,521 cases reported worldwide in 2024. UNICEF and WHO are working with governments and partners to prevent and respond to outbreaks.
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, has warned that “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security. As we shape our new regional health strategy for Europe and central Asia, we cannot afford to lose ground. Every country must step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities,”.
“The measles virus never rests and neither can we.”
The European region accounted for a third of all measles cases globally in 2024. In 2023 alone, 500 000 children across the Region missed the first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1) that should be given through routine immunization services.
UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, said
“Measles cases across Europe and central Asia have soared over the past 2 years, pointing to gaps in immunization coverage,”.
“To protect children from this deadly and debilitating disease, we need urgent government action including sustained investment in health-care workers.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They urge governments to step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities and invest in healthcare workers.