“While cases have reduced, the conditions that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years persist and must be addressed.”said Regina De Dominicis, regional director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Europe and Central Asia.
Fifty-three countries in Europe and Central Asia reported 33,998 cases of measles in 2025, up from 127,412 in 2024.
The overall downward trend in cases reflects both outbreak response measures and the gradual decline in the number of people susceptible to measles infection as the virus made its way through under-vaccinated communities, according to UN agencies.
Tackling deadly misinformation
However, many cases could have been avoided with greater coverage of routine vaccination at the community level and a more timely response to outbreaks, UN agencies said.
“Until vaccination reaches all children and doubts fueled by the spread of misinformation are addressed, Children will continue to be at risk of death or serious illness. of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” he warned.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said eliminating measles is essential for national and regional health security, emphasizing that “in the current environment of rampant fake news, It is also crucial that people trust verified health information from trusted sources. such as the WHO, UNICEF and national health agencies.”
Measles is still present
The number of cases in 2025 still exceeded what has been reported for most years since 2000.and some countries reported more cases in 2025 than in 2024. According to the WHO, measles cases continue to be detected in 2026 in the region.
“More than 200,000 people in our region became ill with measles in the last three years,” Dr. Kluge said.
“Unless all communities achieve 95 percent vaccination coverage, close immunity gaps at all ages, strengthen disease surveillance, and ensure timely response to outbreaks, this highly contagious virus will continue to spread.”
Highly contagious
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that affect people. For every person who has measles, up to 18 unvaccinated people will be infected.
This does Measles is about 12 times more contagious than the flu.. In addition to hospitalization and death, the virus can cause long-term debilitating health complications.
It can also damage the immune system by “wiping” its memory of how to fight infections for months or even years, leaving measles survivors vulnerable to other illnesses and death.
Two doses of measles vaccine provide up to 97 percent lifelong protection against measles.
A 95 percent vaccination rate with two doses of measles vaccine each year is needed in every community to prevent measles outbreaks and achieve herd immunity, which protects infants too young for the measles vaccine and others for whom it is not recommended due to medical conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised.
Public health priorities
Outbreak preparedness and response, along with the goal of eliminating measles, remain public health priorities.
UNICEF and WHO are working together with governments and with the support of partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the European Union, to prevent and respond to measles outbreaks, including:
- interacting with communities
- train health workers
- Strengthen immunization programs and disease surveillance systems.
- Start vaccination campaigns against measles.
