Measles is resurging, not just in the United States, but globally. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF reveals a dramatic increase in measles cases across Europe and Central Asia in 2024, reaching the highest levels in over two decades. This alarming trend underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities from this preventable disease.
This collaborative analysis, released by the WHO and UNICEF, documented over 120,000 measles cases in the European region, encompassing 53 countries across Europe and Asia. This figure represents a twofold increase compared to 2023 and marks the highest number of cases since 1997. The resurgence highlights the vulnerability of populations with waning immunity and the potential for rapid disease spread.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has had a safe and effective vaccine available since the 1970s. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has proven instrumental in nearly eradicating measles in many regions, including the U.S. and Europe. The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, and the European region reported a record low of 4,440 cases in 2016. However, measles remains prevalent in areas with low vaccination coverage and can easily resurge where community immunity falls below the required threshold of around 95% for herd immunity.
Since the 2016 low, measles has made a concerning comeback in parts of Europe. The UK, for instance, temporarily lost its measles-free status in 2018 due to outbreaks, though it regained this status in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated measles control efforts. While social distancing measures inadvertently reduced measles transmission, the pandemic also disrupted vaccination programs. As social interactions resumed, measles found an opportunity to re-establish itself in Europe and other parts of the world.
In 2023, over 60,000 measles cases were reported in the European region, a figure already deemed alarming by WHO officials. The 2024 total of 127,352 cases more than doubled the 2023 figure, with over 40% of cases affecting children under five, the age group most vulnerable to severe complications. Approximately half of the reported cases resulted in hospitalization, and at least 38 measles-related deaths were recorded in the region.
These cases represent roughly one-third of the global measles burden in 2024, with the true number likely higher. The WHO estimated 10 million measles cases and 100,000 deaths globally in 2023. While measles typically presents with a rash and flu-like symptoms, it can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis and blindness. “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call,” stated Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
The U.S. has also experienced a resurgence of measles, with increased cases since 2023. Current outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have resulted in over 200 cases and two deaths, primarily within rural Mennonite communities with low vaccination rates. Mexico has also reported cases linked to this outbreak, and at least ten other U.S. states have identified travel-related cases.
While the overall high vaccination rate in the U.S. mitigates the risk of a nationwide epidemic, vulnerable communities remain susceptible to outbreaks. The crucial strategy for controlling measles, both in the U.S. and globally, is ensuring access to and uptake of vaccination.
In conclusion, the resurgence of measles underscores the critical need for robust vaccination programs and high community immunity. “Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security,” emphasized Kluge. Every country must prioritize reaching under-vaccinated populations to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable individuals from this preventable disease. The fight against measles requires continuous vigilance and proactive efforts to maintain high vaccination coverage.
