Europe Faces Measles Surge: Highest Cases Since 1997

In 2024, Europe witnessed its highest number of measles cases since 1997, marking a significant public health crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 127,350 measles cases across Europe in 2024—almost double the count from 2023. This alarming rise in cases signals a critical need for heightened vaccination efforts and public health awareness.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.” Last year, measles claimed 38 lives in Europe, predominantly among unvaccinated individuals.

Understanding Measles: Transmission, Symptoms, and Risks

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols, similar to COVID-19. The virus can be transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing airborne particles. The infection begins with mild symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash.

While mild cases result in manageable symptoms, severe cases can lead to complications such as encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia, and blindness. The mortality rate in developed countries ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 5,000 cases, underlining the severity of the disease.

A single infected individual can transmit the virus to 12 to 18 others, making measles more contagious than the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which typically spreads to around eight people.

The Role of Vaccination in Measles Prevention

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) provides over 99% protection against infection after two doses. Despite its excellent safety record, with severe adverse effects being extremely rare, vaccination rates have declined in several European countries.

To maintain “herd immunity” and prevent outbreaks, approximately 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated. The current crisis in Europe is attributed to declining vaccination coverage in some countries, exacerbated by misinformation and disruptions in healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries Struggling with Vaccination Coverage

WHO Europe highlighted countries with significant gaps in vaccine coverage. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania reported vaccination rates below 80% in 2023, with some countries maintaining rates under 50% for over five years. Romania reported the highest number of measles cases in Europe in 2024, with an estimated 30,692 cases.

These gaps in coverage underscore the critical need for robust vaccination campaigns and public health interventions in these regions.

The Misinformation Crisis: A Barrier to Vaccination

Misinformation is a key factor reducing vaccine uptake across Europe and globally. The most infamous case involves former UK physician Andrew Wakefield, who published falsified data in The Lancet in 2002, claiming the MMR vaccine caused autism. Though the paper was later retracted, the misinformation had lasting effects.

In 2012, England experienced a large measles outbreak among teenagers, attributed to the lower vaccination rates sparked by Wakefield’s claims. The misinformation has transcended borders; a 2020 U.S. survey found that 18% of respondents incorrectly believed vaccines cause autism.

The spread of misinformation is amplified by social media platforms. European countries have witnessed anti-vaccine sentiment influenced by false claims circulating on platforms like Facebook, often fueled by external actors, including Russian trolls.

Political Influence on Vaccine Perception

Political leadership plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on health matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. President Donald Trump made multiple false claims, including suggesting disinfectant injections as a cure. His administration’s stance on vaccines has continued to sow confusion.

In 2025, Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has a history of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric and controversially compared vaccination programs to the Holocaust in 2015. In a recent interview, Kennedy claimed the MMR vaccine causes deaths and severe illnesses, echoing debunked myths.

These anti-vaccine sentiments from influential political figures can significantly impact vaccine acceptance in Europe, given the political alignment between Trump supporters and certain European factions.

The Impact of Reduced Vaccination Efforts

The consequences of reduced vaccination efforts are evident. The WHO had previously warned in 2022 that measles posed an imminent global threat. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained healthcare systems, reducing access to routine services like vaccinations, and contributing to the current surge in measles cases.

Vaccination campaigns have historically been successful in reducing measles cases and preventing deaths. Between 1974 and 2024, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 94 million deaths globally. The current crisis is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage.

The Role of Healthcare Systems in Combating Measles

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular health services, including vaccination programs. Healthcare systems across Europe and globally are still recovering from the pandemic’s impact. Revitalizing routine vaccination programs is crucial to controlling measles outbreaks.

Public health authorities need to address misinformation directly and engage communities through targeted campaigns. Educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is essential to rebuild trust.

Countries with historically low vaccination coverage must be prioritized for intervention. Governments should ensure vaccine availability, address logistical barriers, and counter misinformation through transparent communication.

The Role of International Cooperation

Controlling measles outbreaks in Europe requires international cooperation. Countries must collaborate to share resources, data, and best practices. The WHO plays a vital role in coordinating vaccination efforts and providing technical support to affected countries.

Global health organizations and governments must also address misinformation at the international level. Combating false narratives on social media platforms requires collaboration with tech companies to ensure accurate health information reaches the public.

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust public health infrastructure and proactive measures. The current measles crisis offers similar lessons. Governments must invest in healthcare infrastructure, ensure the continuity of essential services, and strengthen public health messaging.

The pandemic also emphasized the need for timely and transparent communication. Public trust in health authorities is crucial for successful vaccination programs. Governments must engage with communities openly and address concerns promptly.

The Way Forward: Recommendations for Europe

1. Strengthening Vaccination Programs: Governments must prioritize measles vaccination campaigns, ensuring that the recommended two doses are administered to all eligible individuals. Special efforts are needed in countries with low coverage.

2. Combatting Misinformation: Public health authorities should work with media and social platforms to counter misinformation. Clear, accurate, and consistent messaging is essential to build public trust in vaccines.

3. Improving Healthcare Access: Countries must enhance healthcare infrastructure to ensure easy access to vaccinations, especially in underserved and rural areas.

4. Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities and leaders can help address vaccine hesitancy. Tailored communication strategies are vital to reach diverse populations effectively.

5. International Collaboration: European countries must collaborate with global health organizations like WHO to ensure resource sharing, technical support, and data exchange.

6. Monitoring and Surveillance: Strengthening disease surveillance systems will help track measles outbreaks and respond swiftly to emerging hotspots.

7. Addressing Political Influences: Governments should separate political agendas from public health policies. Political leaders must support scientific evidence and promote vaccination efforts.

The resurgence of measles in Europe serves as a critical wake-up call for global health systems. The crisis highlights the need for robust vaccination programs, effective communication, and international cooperation to prevent outbreaks. As Dr. Kluge stated, “The measles virus never rests – and neither can we.” Strengthening public health efforts and countering misinformation are crucial steps in safeguarding Europe and the world against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.