Measles Cases Plummet in Europe and Central Asia, But Risk Remains
Table of Contents
- 1. Measles Cases Plummet in Europe and Central Asia, But Risk Remains
- 2. Dramatic Decline in Infections
- 3. Persistent Concerns and Ongoing Transmission
- 4. A Setback in Elimination Efforts
- 5. Vaccination Remains the Key Defense
- 6. regional Snapshot: Cases and Trends
- 7. Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Immunity
- 8. What factors contributed to the 75% decline in measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2025?
- 9. measles Decline in Europe and Central Asia: 75% Drop in 2025, Yet WHO Warns of Ongoing Risks
- 10. The 2025 Measles Reduction: A Regional Overview
- 11. why the Continued Risk? Gaps in Immunity & Emerging Challenges
- 12. The Impact of Measles: Beyond the Rash
- 13. Real-World Example: the 2019-2020 Outbreaks & lessons Learned
- 14. Protecting Yourself and Your Community: Practical Steps
Brussels, Belgium – A notable drop in Measles cases has been reported across Europe and Central Asia in 2025, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing fight against this highly contagious disease. Though, health organizations are cautioning against complacency, warning that underlying conditions that fueled a resurgence of the illness persist and could trigger future outbreaks.
Dramatic Decline in Infections
Preliminary data from 53 countries indicates that Measles infections fell by a remarkable 75% in 2025 compared to the previous year. A total of 33,998 cases were reported across the region, a substantial decrease from the 127,412 cases recorded in 2024. This reduction represents a positive turn after years of increasing concern over waning immunity and outbreaks.
Persistent Concerns and Ongoing Transmission
Despite the encouraging decline, officials emphasize that the circumstances which enabled the recent resurgence of Measles have not disappeared.Regina De Dominicis, Regional Director for UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, underscored the need for sustained efforts, stating that conditions that caused the resurgence still need to be addressed. Cases continue to be detected in the region in 2026, indicating the virus hasn’t been eradicated.
A Setback in Elimination Efforts
Recent developments highlight the fragility of progress made in eliminating Measles. The European Regional Verification Committee for the Elimination of Measles and Rubella (CRV) recently declared that endemic transmission has been re-established in Spain, a country which had been free of the disease as 2016. This setback is especially concerning, as it demonstrates how quickly Measles can re-emerge when vaccination rates decline.
Vaccination Remains the Key Defense
Health experts consistently point to vaccination as the most effective way to prevent Measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),two doses of the Measles,Mumps,and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provide up to 97% lifelong protection against the disease. Learn more about Measles and the MMR vaccine from the CDC. However, vaccine hesitancy, often fueled by misinformation, continues to pose a significant challenge.
De Dominicis warned that, without widespread vaccination and efforts to combat misinformation, children will remain vulnerable to the possibly severe consequences of measles, including death or long-term health complications.
regional Snapshot: Cases and Trends
Over the last three years, more than 200,000 people in Europe and Central Asia have contracted Measles. The number of countries experiencing endemic or re-established transmission rose from 12 in 2023 to 19 in 2024, marking the most significant setback in regional elimination efforts in recent years.
| Year | Reported Cases (Europe & Central Asia) | Number of Countries with Endemic Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 127,412 | 12 |
| 2024 | 127,412 | 19 |
| 2025 | 33,998 | 19 |
Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Immunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are collaborating with governments, supported by the European Union (EU) and the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), to prevent and control Measles outbreaks. These initiatives focus on strengthening vaccination programs, improving disease surveillance, and rapidly responding to outbreaks. A key consideration is that Measles is exceptionally contagious; for every person infected, up to 18 unvaccinated individuals are at risk.
Hans henri P. Kluge,Regional Director of the WHO in Europe,emphasized that achieving 95% vaccination coverage across all communities,along with closing immunity gaps and bolstering surveillance systems,is critical to containing the virus and securing regional health security.
What steps do you think are most crucial to address vaccine hesitancy within your community? Do you believe enough is being done to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases like Measles?
Disclaimer: This article provides facts about public health concerns. It is not intended to provide medical advice.Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health-related concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
What factors contributed to the 75% decline in measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2025?
measles Decline in Europe and Central Asia: 75% Drop in 2025, Yet WHO Warns of Ongoing Risks
A significant victory in public health was declared in late 2025: measles cases across the European and Central Asian regions plummeted by a remarkable 75%. This dramatic reduction, however, isn’t a signal to relax vigilance. The World Health Institution (WHO) continues to caution that ongoing risks threaten to reverse this hard-won progress, emphasizing the critical need for sustained and strengthened immunization efforts. Understanding the factors behind this decline, the remaining vulnerabilities, and proactive steps for protection is paramount.
The 2025 Measles Reduction: A Regional Overview
The 75% decrease in measles cases represents the lowest levels recorded in the region in over two decades. Several factors contributed to this positive trend:
* Increased Vaccination Coverage: Targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly focusing on catching up missed children, played a crucial role. Many countries implemented school-based immunization programs and outreach initiatives to improve access.
* Improved Surveillance systems: Enhanced disease surveillance allowed for quicker identification of outbreaks and more rapid response measures. Real-time data monitoring became increasingly sophisticated.
* Public Health Messaging: Effective communication campaigns addressed vaccine hesitancy and promoted the importance of measles immunization.
* Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs): Several nations successfully implemented SIAs, offering additional doses of the measles vaccine to boost population immunity.
While the overall regional decline is encouraging, the situation varies considerably between countries. Some nations have achieved near-elimination status, while others continue to grapple with persistent outbreaks. Countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia demonstrated particularly strong progress, while pockets of vulnerability remain in areas with lower vaccination rates.
why the Continued Risk? Gaps in Immunity & Emerging Challenges
Despite the considerable reduction, the WHO warns that measles remains a significant public health threat. Several factors contribute to this ongoing risk:
* Suboptimal Vaccination Rates: Even a small decline in vaccination coverage can lead to outbreaks. The 95% vaccination coverage threshold needed for herd immunity isn’t consistently met across the region.
* Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation and distrust in vaccines continue to fuel hesitancy, particularly in certain communities. Addressing these concerns with accurate data is vital.
* Imported Cases: Travel between regions can introduce measles, potentially sparking outbreaks in areas with insufficient immunity.
* Weakened Surveillance: Maintaining robust surveillance systems is crucial for early detection and response. Any weakening in these systems can hinder outbreak control.
* Population Movement: Displacement due to conflict or economic hardship can disrupt immunization programs and increase vulnerability to measles.
The Impact of Measles: Beyond the Rash
Measles isn’t simply a childhood illness. It’s a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease with serious complications. These complications can include:
* Pneumonia: One of the most common and severe complications, particularly in young children.
* Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can lead to permanent neurological damage.
* Diarrhea and dehydration: Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and require hospitalization.
* Ear Infections: Measles can cause ear infections, potentially leading to hearing loss.
* Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can develop years after a measles infection.
These complications underscore the importance of preventing measles through vaccination. The economic burden of managing measles outbreaks, including hospitalization and long-term care for complications, is also substantial.
Real-World Example: the 2019-2020 Outbreaks & lessons Learned
The period between 2019 and 2020 saw a resurgence of measles across Europe, with tens of thousands of cases reported.This outbreak highlighted the consequences of declining vaccination rates and the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage. Countries like Ukraine and Romania experienced particularly large outbreaks, demonstrating the vulnerability of populations with low vaccine uptake.
Key lessons from this period include:
- Prioritize Catch-Up Vaccination: Focusing on vaccinating children who missed their scheduled doses is crucial.
- Strengthen Surveillance: Early detection and rapid response are essential for controlling outbreaks.
- Address Vaccine Hesitancy: Engage with communities to address concerns and promote vaccine confidence.
- Invest in Public health Infrastructure: Sustained investment in immunization programs and public health infrastructure is vital.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community: Practical Steps
Individuals and communities can take several steps to protect themselves from measles:
* Vaccination: Ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated against measles with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
* Travel Precautions: If traveling to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks, ensure you are vaccinated and take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
* Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest measles information and recommendations from the WHO and your local health authorities.
* Report Suspected Cases: If you suspect you or someone you know has measles, seek medical attention promptly and report it to your local health authorities.