Morbillo Surge in US Raises WHO Alarm, Italy Warned
- Measles, a highly contagious disease, is making a comeback, raising alarms among health officials.
- Health officials are concerned about a recent increase in measles cases in the United States.
- regarding a measles outbreak, describing it as an anomalous event with a possibly important impact on public health.
Measles Cases Surge in the US and Europe, Prompting Concern
Measles, a highly contagious disease, is making a comeback, raising alarms among health officials.
measles Returns to the US
Health officials are concerned about a recent increase in measles cases in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert following an outbreak in America, with nearly 400 cases reported. Some of these cases have resulted in fatalities.
The WHO reported receiving data from the U.S. regarding a measles outbreak, describing it as an anomalous event
with a possibly important impact on public health. The number of cases and deaths in 2025 is reportedly higher than in previous years.
The outbreak is connected to cases in Texas and Mexico.From January 1 to March 20, 2025, 17 states reported a total of 378 measles cases, including two deaths.These are reportedly the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in a decade.
One death has been confirmed in Texas, and another is under examination in New Mexico.
European Cases on the Rise
Europe is also experiencing an increase in measles cases. The European Center for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a considerable increase
in cases.
Following a period of low activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles cases began to rise in 2023, with 2,361 total cases reported across Europe.
Between February 2024 and January 2025, ther were 32,265 diagnoses of measles throughout the European Union.
Situation in Italy
italy has also seen a rise in measles cases, with over 1,000 cases reported in the last year (1,097 between february 2024 and January 2025). Only Romania reported more cases (27,568) during the same period.
Other countries with notable case numbers include:
- Germany (637)
- Belgium (551)
- Austria (542)
Romania has reported 18 deaths, and Ireland has reported one.
Spring Peak Expected
The ECDC anticipates a further increase in cases during the spring,aligning with the seasonal trend of the disease.
Health officials urge vaccination for those who have not been immunized. The primary reason for the rise in cases is attributed to gaps in vaccination coverage among children, teenagers, and adults, combined with the high contagiousness of the disease.
Measles is transmitted through the air, primarily affecting young children between the ages of zero and four, as well as school-aged children.
Vaccine Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine, also known as the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The CDC states that the MMR vaccine protects children from the uncomfortable rash and high fever associated with measles and from the fever and swollen glands associated with mumps. CDC
According to Harvard Health, The measles vaccine is safe. The safety profile of the measles vaccine is excellent. Common side effects include temporary soreness in the arm, low-grade fever, and muscle pain, as is true for most vaccinations.A suggestion that measles or other vaccines cause autism has been convincingly discredited.
Harvard Health
Measles on teh Rise: Your Essential Q&A Guide
Understanding the Resurgence of Measles
Measles,a highly contagious disease,is making a troubling comeback in the US and Europe. This Q&A provides a extensive overview of the current situation, addressing the most pressing questions about measles.
What is Measles?
measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications. It spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing.
Why is Measles Making a Comeback?
Health officials attribute the rise in measles cases primarily to gaps in vaccination coverage.
What is the Current Situation in the United States?
The United States is experiencing an increase in measles cases. From January 1 to March 20, 2025, 17 states reported a total of 378 measles cases, including two deaths. These are the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in a decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert.
Where are Cases Concentrated in the US:
The outbreak is connected to cases in Texas and Mexico. One death has been confirmed in Texas, and another is under examination in New Mexico.
What is Happening with Measles in Europe?
Europe is also facing a surge in measles cases. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a “considerable increase.”
How Many Cases Are in Europe?
Between February 2024 and January 2025, there were 32,265 diagnoses of measles across the European Union.
Which European Countries Are Most Affected?
Italy has seen over 1,000 cases, with Romania reporting the highest number (27,568) during the same period. Other countries with notable case numbers include:
Germany (637)
Belgium (551)
Austria (542)
Are There Deaths Reported in Europe?
Yes, Romania has reported 18 deaths, and Ireland has reported one.
What are the Symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms typically include:
Fever
Rash
Cough
Runny nose
Inflamed eyes
Who is at Risk?
Measles primarily affects young children between the ages of zero and four, as well as school-aged children.
Is the Measles Vaccine Safe?
Yes, the measles vaccine (MMR vaccine) is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Harvard Health both confirm the vaccine’s safety. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
What Does the MMR Vaccine Protect Against?
The MMR vaccine protects against:
Measles
Mumps
* rubella
Are There Any Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine?
According to Harvard Health, “Common side effects include temporary soreness in the arm, low-grade fever, and muscle pain, as is true for most vaccinations.”
Can the Measles Vaccine Cause autism?
No, the suggestion that the measles vaccine causes autism has been convincingly discredited, according to Harvard Health.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself and Others?
Health officials urge vaccination for those who have not been immunized.
Summary of measles Cases
The following table summarizes the reported measles cases.
| Region | Time Period | Total Cases | Notable Countries | Deaths |
| —————- | ——————– | ————— | ————————— | —— |
| United States | Jan 1 – Mar 20, 2025 | 378 | Texas, New Mexico | 2 |
| European Union | Feb 2024 – Jan 2025 | 32,265 | Romania (27,568), Italy | 19 |