Rise of Measles Cases in Europe: Tracking the Spread of One of the World's Most Transmissible Diseases

Rise of Measles Cases in Europe: Tracking the Spread of One of the World's Most Transmissible Diseases

Unleashing the Measles Gauntlet: A Year Like No Other in Europe

Spring is here, but Europe's facing an unwelcome, contagious visitor – measles. This virus has wreaked havoc across the continent, following a tremendous comeback last year that left 120,000 infected across Europe and Central Asia, marking the worst year since 1997.

Health authorities have warned that we're in for more cases in the coming months, predicting a bleak future for the disease-ravished continent.

As of 2025, about 5,500 measles cases have been reported across the European Union, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Most tragically, this virulent disease has claimed lives as well.

While measles can often be mild or moderately severe, it can lead to devastating complications. Despite its infectious nature, measles can be prevented with vaccination.

Now, here's a rundown of the hotspots reeling under measles' relentless strike:

Measles Offensive in Romania

Romania, who's seeing an enormous 3,605 cases, surpasses every other European nation in the measles race. Tragically, three lives have been lost.

This years-long outbreak in Romania has been fueled by anti-vaccine sentiment, contradicting health advice, and a healthcare system juggling its resources to keep afloat. In 2023, only 62 per cent of Romania's population was fully vaccinated – a rate far below the threshold to prevent outbreaks.

Measles Raids in France

In France, 526 measles cases have been documented, with a "notable increase" in those entering the country this year. More than 40 of these cases can be traced back to an individual returning from Morocco, as compared to 26 cases in 2024.

Despite 93 per cent of France's citizens being fully vaccinated, pockets of unimmunized people in communities can allow measles to spread freely.

Measles Ambush in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has been hit hard, reporting 371 measles infections in the first four months of 2025. Over two dozen cases resulted from measuring-infected individuals returning from Morocco and Romania.

Health officials in the Netherlands pinpointed "clusters" of measles infections, such as at primary schools and childcare facilities, with the majority of cases occurring among children under ten. However, they assert that there is no nationwide measles outbreak.

As of 2023, the Netherlands' measles vaccination rate was at a disappointing 81 per cent – one of the lowest rates in the EU.

Measles Assault in Italy

Measles has wreaked havoc in Italy, with 268 cases confirmed as of 2025. The country saw higher cases in 2025 than any other EU nation except Romania. With a vaccination rate of 85 per cent in 2023, Italy's rate fell below the necessary level to ward off outbreaks.

Measles Siege in Spain

Spain is grappling with outbreaks in various regions of the country, resulting in 251 measles cases this year. The ECDC reported that several cases were also imported from outside Spain.

Amid this uptick in measles cases worldwide and within Spain, the Spanish Ministry of Health recommended that people check their vaccination status and ensure they're protected against this virulent illness.

In May 2025, the resurgence of mobility after the pandemic increased the risk of imported cases, making it more crucial than ever for healthcare systems and public health authorities to counteract the spread of this deadly virus.

(Related): How to avoid measles, one of the world's most contagious viruses(Related): Romania's measles crisis: What's driving Europe's biggest outbreak?(Related): 21 million fewer children are receiving critical vaccines than before COVID, WHO says(Related): Public health, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine campaign, Measles, Infection

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