Measles Cases in Europe & Central Asia Drop 75% But Risk Remains | 2025 Update

Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia experienced a significant decline in 2025, falling by nearly 75 percent compared to the previous year, preliminary data indicates. However, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have cautioned that the risk of renewed outbreaks remains a serious concern.

According to data reported by 53 countries within the WHO European Region, a total of 33,998 measles cases were recorded in 2025. This represents a substantial decrease from the 127,412 cases reported in 2024. The reduction is attributed to both targeted outbreak response measures, including immunization campaigns, and a gradual decrease in the number of individuals susceptible to infection as the virus spread through under-vaccinated communities.

Despite the encouraging drop in cases, health officials emphasize that the current numbers still exceed those reported in most years since 2000. Several countries even reported an increase in measles cases in 2025 compared to 2024, highlighting the continued vulnerability of certain populations.

The WHO European Region continues to detect measles cases as of February 11, 2026, underscoring the persistent threat. The agencies warn that sustained vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to prevent a resurgence of the highly contagious disease.

“Many cases could have been prevented with higher routine vaccination coverage at community level and more timely response to outbreaks,” stated Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. She added, “Until all children are reached with vaccination, and hesitancy fuelled by the spread of misinformation is addressed, children will remain at risk of death or serious illness from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.”

The situation reflects a broader trend of declining vaccination rates and increasing vaccine hesitancy in parts of Europe and Central Asia. Misinformation surrounding vaccines, often disseminated through social media, has contributed to a decline in public trust and a reluctance to get vaccinated, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

A meeting of the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination in September 2025 revealed a concerning setback in regional progress. The commission found that the number of countries experiencing ongoing or re-established measles transmission had risen to 19, up from 12 the previous year – the region’s largest increase in recent years.

Hans Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, warned that the virus will continue to circulate unless communities achieve 95 percent vaccination coverage. “Unless immunity gaps across all ages are closed, this highly contagious virus will keep circulating,” he stated. Closing these immunity gaps requires not only vaccinating children but also reaching adults who may have missed out on vaccination or whose immunity has waned over time.

The decline in cases in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope, but health officials stress that it is not a signal to relax efforts. Maintaining high vaccination rates, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and responding swiftly to outbreaks remain essential to protect populations from the potentially devastating consequences of measles. The disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The current situation underscores the importance of international collaboration and sustained investment in public health infrastructure. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy are critical steps towards eliminating measles and protecting the health of communities across Europe and Central Asia.