Measles Cases in Europe Drop But Remain a Concern – 2025 Report

Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia experienced a significant decline in 2025, offering a measure of relief after a resurgence in recent years. However, health officials caution that the risk of outbreaks remains, emphasizing the critical need for continued vaccination efforts and robust disease surveillance.

Preliminary data reported by 2025 from 53 countries in the WHO European Region indicate 33,998 measles cases – a nearly 75% drop compared to the 127,412 cases recorded in 2024. This decrease is attributed to both targeted outbreak response measures and a gradual reduction in the number of individuals susceptible to infection as the virus encountered more under-vaccinated populations. Despite this positive trend, the number of cases in 2025 still exceeded levels reported in most years since 2000.

The decline is particularly notable when considering the situation in France, which experienced a significant epidemic in 2025. After reporting 873 cases, including 314 hospitalizations, 121 complications and four deaths, France observed a consistent decrease beginning in May 2025. As of January 2026, only 12 cases were reported, a substantial reduction from the 68 cases recorded in January 2025.

Across the European Union and the European Economic Area, 2025 saw 7,655 reported cases of measles, resulting in eight deaths: four in France, three in Romania, and one in the Netherlands. While this represents a marked improvement over the 35,000 cases reported in 2024, officials from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasize that the number of cases remains “almost two times higher than that of 2023.”

A key factor driving the ongoing risk is vaccination rates. Approximately 80% of individuals who contracted measles in both 2024 and 2025 were not vaccinated. This underscores the importance of verifying vaccination status and receiving booster doses when necessary, according to the ECDC. Children under the age of five were disproportionately affected, accounting for 40% (3,072 cases) of all reported infections.

Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the persistent challenges. “While cases have reduced, the conditions that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years remain and must be addressed. 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 WHO echoes this sentiment, warning that achieving 95% vaccination coverage across all communities is crucial to closing immunity gaps and preventing further outbreaks. Strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring timely responses to outbreaks are also essential components of a comprehensive prevention strategy. Over 200,000 people in the region have been affected by measles over the past three years.

Sabrina Bacci, head of the ECDC’s vaccine-preventable diseases program, stated, “These figures show that the number of measles cases remains concerning, despite a significant decrease compared to last year.” This statement underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive public health measures.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting immunity.

Health organizations continue to emphasize the importance of accurate information regarding vaccines, combating misinformation that contributes to vaccine hesitancy. Maintaining high vaccination rates is not only crucial for individual protection but also for safeguarding community health and preventing the re-emergence of this preventable disease.