Measles cases surge in Europe, reaching highest levels in decades
- There were 127,350 reported cases of measles in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, which is double the previous year's numbers.
- Countries like Romania and Kazakhstan had the highest infection rates, with significant hospitalizations and 38 reported deaths.
- Health officials stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further outbreaks, indicating that current vaccination rates are dangerously low.
In 2024, Europe experienced a significant resurgence of measles cases, with a total of 127,350 reported infections, marking the highest level since 1997. Romania saw the most cases, exceeding 30,000, followed by Kazakhstan with over 28,000 infections. This alarming rise can be attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly among children under five, of whom more than 40% accounted for the infections. Hospitalization was necessary for over half of those infected, and 38 deaths were documented, signaling a troubling public health crisis. The resurgence of measles is largely connected to a drop in immunization coverage that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO and UNICEF reported that many countries in Europe and Central Asia are experiencing vaccination rates below the recommended levels to prevent outbreaks. Lack of vaccination poses significant risks, with over 95% of the population needing to be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity against measles. Areas like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have seen vaccination rates fall below 70% and 50%, respectively. Public health officials have issued urgent calls to action, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination efforts to combat this outbreak. Health experts are raising alarms, with WHO's Europe director Dr. Hans Kluge stating, “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.” The challenges highlighted by this outbreak serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining consistent vaccination programs, particularly to protect vulnerable populations such as children. In contrast to the situation in Europe, the United States is grappling with outbreaks of measles in states like Texas and New Mexico, with reports of over 250 cases and two deaths linked to unvaccinated individuals. This reflects a broader global trend, as WHO noted a significant increase in measles cases worldwide. A total of 500,000 people missed their first measles vaccine dose last year, which underscores the urgent need for enhancing public trust in vaccines and addressing misinformation regarding their safety.