Measles cases expected to grow in coming months, European health authorities warn

Measles cases in Europe have gone up more than tenfold over the past year, with health authorities urging people to ensure they are vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.

From early 2024 to early 2025, more than 32,000 measles cases were reported in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway – a “considerable” increase from 2023, when fewer than 2,400 cases were reported, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The agency warned that cases will likely continue to rise in the coming months because in 2024, measles peaked in the first half of the year.

“This indicates that the virus is circulating in the region and the number of cases will probably increase during the spring of 2025,” the ECDC said.

Most measles cases in the past year have emerged in Romania (27,568), followed by Italy (1,097), Germany (637), Belgium (551), and Austria (542). But all countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) – the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway – have reported cases.

Eighteen people in Romania and one person in Ireland died as a result of measles.

The vast majority of infected people – 86 per cent – were unvaccinated, according to the ECDC. Many were young children under 4 years old.

“The ongoing transmission indicates gaps in vaccination coverage against this preventable illness – among children, adolescents and adults alike,” the agency said.

Measles is so contagious that an unvaccinated person can get sick if they enter a room where an infected person coughed or sneezed up to two hours earlier, even if they had since left.

Preventing measles

Health authorities say at least 95 per cent of a community must be immunised with two jabs to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated, like babies.

But in 2023, only four countries met that threshold: Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia.

Measles causes a rash, fever, and cough. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Measles cases have risen worldwide. The ECDC recommended that people check their vaccination status, especially if they plan to travel abroad.

“A safe and effective vaccine has been used for decades to prevent measles,” the agency said.

“If unsure about your own vaccination history or if you need guidance on vaccinating children, consult a healthcare professional,” the agency added.