The UK and other European countries lose measles elimination status

The United Kingdom and several other European countries have lost their measles elimination status due to a surge in infections across the continent, the World Health Organization reported, as cited by Reuters.

In addition to the United Kingdom, the status has been revoked for Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The WHO is urging countries to increase vaccination coverage, particularly among under-protected population groups, to prevent the spread of the disease among children.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is entirely preventable through vaccination, and it is often among the first to return when immunization levels drop. It typically presents with high fever and a rash, but it can also lead to serious long-term complications, including death.

Health experts warn that increasing outbreaks worldwide signal a resurgence of other preventable diseases in societies where mistrust or skepticism toward vaccines has intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO indicates that the change in the UK’s status reflects a broader issue within the organization’s European Region. According to the agency’s data, several other European countries, including France and Romania, are already experiencing regular measles transmission. Canada lost its status last year, and the United States is struggling to maintain its own amid a rising number of cases.

WHO commissions in each region determine whether a country is measles-free based on the number and nature of cases. To be considered free of the disease, a country must have no local transmission of the same strain for at least 12 months.

The decision to revoke the status of certain European countries was made as early as September last year based on 2024 data, but the information was only released now after receiving approval from all affected countries.

According to WHO estimates, vaccination coverage must exceed 95% for effective protection against measles. In the UK, however, only 84.4% of children received the two necessary doses in 2024. Data from British authorities show that 2,911 confirmed cases were registered in England during the same year, the highest number since 2012.

On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency urged all children to be vaccinated to protect against measles. The UK achieved measles elimination status in 2016, lost it in 2018, and regained it in 2021.