Europe, Measles cases almost tenfold in 2024

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 1,097 cases were reported in March 2025, in Europe, of which 809 were confirmed as measles infections. Romania has reported the highest number of measles cases in the European Union, with 397 confirmed cases. France reported 161 confirmed cases and one death, the Netherlands 95 cases, and Italy 60. In 2024, the European Union and the European Economic Area collectively recorded over 35,000 cases of measles, resulting in 23 fatalities. To prevent outbreaks of measles and to protect those populations considered most vulnerable, it is essential that at least 95% of the population who are eligible for vaccination receive two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Only Hungary, Malta, Slovakia, and Portugal have achieved the required coverage of both doses, while the rest of the European countries are still below the target. Measles is among the most infectious diseases worldwide, and in severe cases, can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, dehydration, blindness, and death.