Measles makes a comeback: Europe faces significant surge as vaccination gap is exposed

The once near-relief disease is causing a shocking comeback across Europe, with more than 32,000 measles cases reported in just one year. Even more worrying, health officials revealed that eight out of 10 people diagnosed with highly contagious viruses were not vaccinated, highlighting the dangerous immunity gap across the continent.

According to the latest data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), measles cases surged after abnormally low activity during the pandemic in 19009. Between February 2024 and January 2025, officials recorded 32,265 measles diagnoses – a sharp increase compared to the 2,361 cases reported in 2023.

The revival has become fatal. Romania reported 27,568 cases, recording 18 deaths attributed to measles during this period. Ireland also reported a death.

Public health experts point out that as the main driver behind these outbreaks, vaccination scope is insufficient. Despite decades of vaccination campaigns, many European countries have not reached the 95% coverage required to prevent community transmission.

Measles spreads in the air with amazing efficiency, and is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its extreme contagiousness means it can quickly scan communities with low vaccination rates.

Toddlers and uninoculated adults are the first to be affected. Children aged one to four and adults over the age of thirty make up the majority of hair-colored measles in the unvaccinated population, according to ECDC data.

Among those diagnosed with measles between early 2024 and early 2025, there is information about their vaccination status, with a staggering 25,503 (86%) unvaccinated. Perhaps most shockingly, although this age group is the main focus of the immunization program, 84% of children with known vaccination status have known vaccination status and have not received a shooting.

“Preventing measles outbreaks and protection of vulnerable populations requires at least 95% of the population eligible for vaccination to receive two doses of MMR vaccine.” Current data show that both doses of EU/EEA countries (Hungary, Malta, Portugal and Slovakia) have reached this critical coverage level.

This surge timing follows a predictable seasonal pattern. The 2024 peak occurred in the first six months of the year, with health officials warning that another increase is expected in spring 2025 when measles has traditionally become more common.

Behind the statistics is the actual impact on vulnerable groups. The current immunization gap has exposed many communities, including babies who have vaccinated the vaccine and individuals who are not immune to medical reasons. These groups rely on what epidemiologists call “herd immunity” – when enough people are vaccinated so that the disease cannot easily spread.

ECDC Director Andrea Ammon emphasized the importance of vaccination in a previous statement about measles revival: “The only way to protect babies who are too young to receive vaccination and those who are immune-deficient or unable to receive vaccines for other medical reasons is to make sure everyone else is vaccinated.”

For decades, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines have been used safely. All EU/EEA countries include the two doses recommended in their national immunization programs, and usually give the first dose between 12-15 months and three to seven years, with differences between countries.

For both parents and adults, health officials have direct advice: Check your vaccination status and make sure you meet the latest status of the recommended schedule. This is especially important before international travel, as measles outbreaks are happening globally. The vaccine takes at least two weeks to work, so planning ahead is crucial.

Those with uncertainty about vaccination history should consult a healthcare professional who can provide guidance on lower doses. Adults born before extensive MMR vaccination may naturally be immune to childhood disease infection, but those without a history of vaccination or infection remain vulnerable.

It is also critical to identify symptoms as early as possible. Measles usually start with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that starts with the hairline and spreads downward. Although most recover, the disease can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and in rare cases death.

With Europe’s efforts toward this revival, the information from public health officials remains clear: tools to prevent measles, but only work when used. As spring approaches and another potential spike, checking vaccination records today may prevent serious illness tomorrow.