A Deadly Comeback: Measles Cases Double in a Year

 

Measles is making a fierce return, with the number of cases in the European region more than doubling in 2024. According to a joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, this marks the highest surge in measles cases in 25 years. The outbreak is especially alarming as over 40% of the reported cases involve children under the age of five.

"Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call," said Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe. "Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security."

The MMR vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, is 97% effective in preventing the virus. However, declining immunization rates, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, have left many vulnerable to infection.

 

Symptoms and Risks: More Than Just a Rash

Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease, primarily spreading through coughing and sneezing. It presents with common flu-like symptoms, including:

• High fever
• Sore, red, and watery eyes
• Coughing and sneezing

While these symptoms might seem mild, the disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death.

 

The Numbers Paint a Grim Picture

The WHO/UNICEF report, covering 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, recorded 127,350 cases in 2024 alone—the highest since 1997. As of March 6, 2025, 38 deaths had been reported due to the disease.

The most affected countries in the European region were:

• Romania – 30,692 cases
• Kazakhstan – 28,147 cases

Globally, Europe accounted for one-third of all measles cases in 2024. The surge is largely attributed to a decline in vaccination rates, which had been steadily improving until they dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Vaccination rates in many countries are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, increasing the risk of outbreaks," warned WHO and UNICEF officials.

 

Falling Vaccination Rates: A Recipe for Disaster

Measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, yet the virus has recently reappeared, causing two deaths and spreading across North America. The resurgence is being fueled by falling vaccination rates.

In Europe, recent data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealed that 8 out of 10 people diagnosed with measles were unvaccinated. This highlights a worrying trend, as many countries have yet to reach the 95% vaccination threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

In 2023, only four European nations—Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia—met this crucial benchmark. Meanwhile, in the UK, vaccination rates for two doses have fallen below 90%, sparking concerns over a potential large-scale outbreak.

 

Misinformation: A Silent Contributor to the Crisis

Public health experts warn that misinformation, particularly on social media, is further fueling vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine cautioned against relying on unverified sources for vaccine information.

"We learned from the COVID-19 vaccination program that misinformation can spread rapidly and influence people’s decisions," Dr. Kasstan-Dabush explained. "It’s important to be mindful that not all vaccine-related content on social media is based on scientific evidence."

 

Urgent Action Needed: What Can Be Done?

The WHO and UNICEF have urged governments to take swift action in regions experiencing outbreaks and to strengthen immunization efforts in areas that remain unaffected. Public health campaigns must focus on:

• Increasing vaccination accessibility and awareness
• Combating misinformation
• Encouraging booster doses for those at risk

With measles spreading at an alarming rate, experts stress that timely intervention is critical. Without urgent action, the world could face an even deadlier outbreak in the coming years.