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Increase in Measles Cases Across Europe: Tracking the Spread of One of the Most Infectious Global Diseases

Beware When Seeking Medical Advice Online: Tips for Safe Internet Searches on Health Matters

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Increase in Measles Cases Across Europe: Tracking the Spread of One of the Most Infectious Global Diseases

Europe Faces a Measles Resurgence

Europe's vibrant cities are faced with a troubling trend - the spread of measles. In 2023 and 2024, cases skyrocketed, and 2025 is shaping up to follow this unsettling path. Here's the grim picture of measles in the European Union.

A healthcare disaster on the horizon

Measles, one of the world's most contagious diseases, has been on an upward trajectory. The previous year saw a staggering number of almost 120,000 cases across Europe and Central Asia, a figure unseen since 1997. Health officials warn that we can expect this upward trend to continue.

As of 2025, over 4,500 measles cases have been reported within the European Union, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Most of the cases have been amongst unvaccinated children under the age of 5, the agency suggests.

Hotspots

The following countries have seen the highest number of measles infections:

  1. Romania - The Eastern European nation shatters the rest with an astounding 3,203 cases, accounting for four unfortunate deaths. Romania has been grappling with an outbreak that originated from anti-vaccine sentiment, conflicting health advice, and a strained healthcare system. In 2023, just 62% of the population was vaccinated against measles, significantly below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.

Dive deeper: Romania's measles crisis: What's driving Europe's biggest outbreak?

  1. France - With 345 cases in the first few months of 2025, France has also been struggling with the disease. The increase is partly due to a jump in the number of measles cases imported into the country this year, particularly those originating from Morocco. In 2023, France had managed to vaccinate 93% of its population, but the virus can easily take hold in pockets of unvaccinated individuals.

More insights: How to avoid measles, one of the world's most contagious viruses

  1. Italy - In 2025, Italy has registered 227 measles infections, making it the second-worst affected country. Italy's low vaccination rate of 85% in 2023 leaves it vulnerable to outbreaks.

Explore further: 21 million fewer children are receiving critical vaccines than before COVID, WHO says

  1. Netherlands - With 204 measles infections in the first three months of 2025, the Netherlands has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the EU, with only Romania and Cyprus(80%) reporting lower coverage levels.

Curious? Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia at highest level in over 25 years

  1. Spain - Despite having a vaccination rate of 92%, measles outbreaks persist in several parts of Spain.

Why does this matter?

Measles is usually a mild or moderately severe illness, but in some cases, it can result in deadly complications. Leveraging vaccines effectively can keep individuals from getting sick. Public health efforts and increasing vaccination coverage are crucial to combating the measles surge in Europe.

[1] Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia at highest level in over 25 years[2] Romania's measles crisis: What's driving Europe's biggest outbreak?[3] How to avoid measles, one of the world's most contagious viruses[4] 21 million fewer children are receiving critical vaccines than before COVID, WHO says[5] Trump administration's funding freeze for foreign medical research to hit European scientists[6] NGOs warn of Big Pharma's influence on EU drug reform[7] Amid major outage, health workers in Spain and Portugal adapted to provide urgent care without power

Topics: Public health, measles, vaccine campaign, vaccine hesitancy, Infection.

  1. The resurgence of measles in Europe's populous cities is a matter of great concern.
  2. Science has proven that vaccines are a critical element in preventing the spread of measles.
  3. The unusual surge in measles cases across Europe and Central Asia in 2023 and 2024 is a significant cause for worry.
  4. Measles, a preventable disease, has shown a pronounced upward trend in recent years.
  5. Europe's unvaccinated population is becoming a hotbed for measles infections.
  6. 95% immunization is the threshold required to prevent measles outbreaks, a figure not achieved by many European nations.
  7. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports over 4,500 measles cases within the EU as of 2025.
  8. Most measles cases reported by the ECDC are among unvaccinated children under the age of 5.
  9. In the first few months of 2025, Romania reported an alarming 3,203 measles cases, with four unfortunate deaths.
  10. Romania's measles outbreak originated from anti-vaccine sentiment, conflicting health advice, and a strained healthcare system.
  11. France is also grappling with a significant increase in measles cases, with 345 reported in 2025.
  12. The increase in France's measles cases is partly due to a jump in imported cases, especially from Morocco.
  13. Italy, with 227 measles infections in 2025, is the second-worst affected country due to a low vaccination rate of 85%.
  14. The Netherlands has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the EU, with only Romania and Cyprus reporting lower coverage levels.
  15. Spain, despite having a vaccination rate of 92%, is still experiencing measles outbreaks in several parts of the country.
  16. Leveraging vaccines effectively is key to keeping individuals from getting sick and reducing the spread of measles in Europe.
  17. Public health efforts and increasing vaccination coverage are essential to combating the measles surge in Europe.
  18. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a decrease in the number of children receiving critical vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  19. Trump administration's funding freeze for foreign medical research may impact European scientists.
  20. NGOs warn of Big Pharma's influence on EU drug reform.
  21. Amid a major outage, health workers in Spain and Portugal adapted to provide urgent care without power.
  22. Science and healthcare professionals must collaborate to address the growing issue of vaccine hesitancy.
  23. Workplace-wellness programs could play a crucial role in promoting vaccination and improving overall health.
  24. Medically-induced sleep can help bodies recover from the stresses of chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions.
  25. Digestive-health issues like IBS can be effectively managed with proper nutrition and therapies-and-treatments.
  26. Eye-health, hearing, and skin-care are essential components of overall health and wellness.
  27. Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and women's health should not be overlooked in the pursuit of personal well-being.
  28. Autoimmune-disorders, neurological-disorders, and cervical cancer are complex medical-conditions requiring multi-faceted therapies-and-treatments.
  29. One's career, be it in finance, retail, or leadership roles, can be impacted by health-related absences, making workplace wellness a priority.
  30. Public transit, automotive, and aerospace industries have an opportunity to support sustainable initiatives as part of environmental-science and the transition to renewable-energy.
Be Wary When Seeking Medical Advice Online: Here's a Quick Guide on How to Navigate Medical Information Searches on Google.
Internet explorations concerning medical data require careful consideration, medical experts warn. Here's a rundown of potential pitfalls to watch out for when resorting to Google for medical advice.
Be Wary when Seeking Medical Information Online: Here's a Guide to Safe Searches

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