Europe and Central Asia saw a dramatic 75% plunge in measles cases in 2025, with 33,998 reported infections compared to 127,412 in 2024, according to preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region. But don’t break out the champagne just yet—public health officials warn the threat isn’t over.
Measles Cases Plummet, But Outbreak Risk Lingers
A significant drop in measles cases across Europe and Central Asia offers a glimmer of hope, but vaccination gaps and misinformation continue to fuel concerns.
- Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia fell by nearly 75% in 2025.
- Despite the decline, 2025 still saw more cases than most years since 2000.
- 19 countries now have ongoing or re-established measles transmission, a significant increase from 12 the previous year.
- Two doses of the measles vaccine provide up to 97% lifelong protection.
Q: How effective is the measles vaccine? A: Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine offer up to 97% lifelong protection, making it one of the most effective vaccines available. Achieving high vaccination rates is crucial for preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
The decrease reflects both targeted outbreak responses and a gradual reduction in the number of people susceptible to infection as the virus encountered communities with lower vaccination rates. However, officials caution that the conditions that led to a resurgence of the disease in recent years haven’t disappeared.
“While cases have reduced, the conditions that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years remain and must be addressed,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Regina De Dominicis. “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.”
A Setback in Elimination Efforts
Despite the encouraging drop, the number of measles cases in 2025 still exceeded levels reported in most years since 2000. Some countries even reported *more* cases in 2025 than in 2024, and cases continue to be detected in 2026.
The European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination reported in September 2025 that the number of countries with continuing or re-established endemic measles transmission had increased to 19, up from 12 the previous year. This represents the most significant setback in measles elimination efforts in the region in recent years.
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, emphasized the ongoing risk. “Measles cases fell by nearly 75% last year, but the risk of outbreaks remains. Over 200,000 people in our Region fell ill with measles in the past three years. Unless every community reaches 95% vaccination coverage, closes immunity gaps across all ages, strengthens disease surveillance and ensures timely outbreak response, this highly contagious virus will keep spreading.”
The Importance of Herd Immunity and Reliable Information
Achieving a 95% vaccination rate with two doses of the measles vaccine in every community is essential to prevent outbreaks and establish herd immunity. This protects infants too young to be vaccinated and individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving the vaccine.
Dr. Kluge also stressed the importance of combating misinformation. “In today’s environment of rampant fake news, it’s also crucial that people rely on verified health information from reliable sources such as WHO, UNICEF and national health agencies. Eliminating measles is essential for national and regional health security.”
UNICEF and WHO are collaborating with governments and partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the European Union, to prevent and respond to outbreaks. These efforts include community engagement, healthcare worker training, strengthening immunization programs, improving disease surveillance, and implementing catch-up vaccination campaigns.
Measles isn’t just a fever and rash. It can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications, and even death. The virus can also weaken the immune system, leaving survivors vulnerable to other infections for months or even years.
