Low vaccination rates sustain the spread of measles in Europe

Measles remains a serious public health challenge in Europe, despite a reported decline in cases in 2025, European health experts warn. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), despite the decrease compared to the record-breaking 2024, infection levels remain significantly higher than in 2023.

In 2024, 127,350 cases of measles were registered in the World Health Organization’s European region—the highest number since 1997. In 2025, infections decreased but remained approximately twice as high as those reported two years earlier.

Experts emphasize that the primary reason for the continued spread is insufficient vaccination coverage. Data shows that eight out of ten people who fell ill in 2025 were not immunized. To prevent outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must be vaccinated with two doses to ensure herd immunity and protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases—one infected person can infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals. In addition to the characteristic rash and high fever, the infection can lead to severe complications and long-term weakening of the immune system, which increases the risk of other infections.

Health organizations emphasize that vaccination remains the only effective way to control the disease, as no specific treatment exists. According to experts, addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation is a key requirement for limiting future epidemics.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization reported that six countries—Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan—lost their measles-free status following the sustained spread of the virus in 2024.