The number of measles cases in the European region surged in 2024, with 127,350 cases reported—the highest in 25 years. The WHO and Unicef emphasized that a substantial portion of cases involved children under five, accounting for over 40%. Significant factors included a decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased outbreak risks. Romania reported the highest cases at 30,692. Health officials warn that measles remains a significant global threat, urging nations with cases to act promptly while encouraging preparedness in unaffected areas.
"Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security," said Hans Henri Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe.
The joint analysis stated that there had been 127,350 measles cases reported in the European region in 2024, the highest since 1997, with 38 deaths reported.
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