Measles Makes a Deadly Comeback in Europe as Vaccine Gaps Widen

April 30, 2025 – Europe is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with a dramatic spike in cases reported across the continent in 2024. According to a recent report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), this resurgence is largely driven by declining vaccination rates and widening gaps in community immunity.

Alarming Rise in Cases

The ECDC’s 2024 Annual Epidemiological Report reveals that over 35,000 measles cases were reported across 30 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries-nearly ten times higher than in 2023. Romania has been hit especially hard, accounting for 87% of all cases, with vaccination coverage for the first dose plummeting by nearly 10% between 2020 and 2023.

The report highlights that infants under one year old are the most affected, with an infection rate of 1,175.4 per million, followed by children aged one to four. Tragically, 23 deaths were reported in 2024-22 of them in Romania-mostly among infants and young children.

The Role of Vaccination Gaps

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with unvaccinated individuals facing a 90% risk of infection if exposed. The ECDC report found that about 87% of cases involved unvaccinated individuals, and 90% of infected children aged one to four had not received the vaccine. The risk is not limited to children: in several countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Poland, the majority of cases occurred in adults over 30, pointing to historical under-vaccination.

Although Europe generally maintains high immunization rates, the pandemic disrupted healthcare services and fueled vaccine hesitancy, leading to immunity gaps. Only four countries achieved the World Health Organization’s recommended 95% coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine in 2024.

Severe Consequences

The surge in cases has led to high hospitalization rates-79% of cases required hospital care, with complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis commonly reported. Of the 24,529 hospitalized cases, 82% were unvaccinated, underscoring the risks faced by those without protection. The report also notes a rise in imported cases, particularly from within Europe, raising concerns about cross-border transmission.

Urgent Call for Action

Public health experts warn that urgent action is needed to prevent further outbreaks. The ECDC recommends:

• Catch-up vaccination campaigns for missed cohorts, especially adolescents and adults.

• Strengthened disease surveillance and digitalized immunization information systems.

• International collaboration to prevent cross-border transmission.

• Targeted outreach to vulnerable populations and communities with low vaccine uptake.

The report emphasizes that only by achieving and maintaining at least 95% vaccination coverage with two doses can Europe hope to prevent future measles epidemics.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from the ECDC’s 2024 Annual Epidemiological Report and related sources, as summarized by News-Medical.net. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific health concerns or vaccination guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.