Copenhagen and Geneva, 11 February 2026 – Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia fell significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region. A total of 33,998 measles cases were reported in 2025, representing nearly a 75% decrease from the 127,412 cases recorded in 2024. This decline reflects both outbreak response measures and the gradual reduction in susceptible populations as the virus spread through under-vaccinated communities. Despite this drop, UNICEF and WHO warn that the risk of outbreaks remains high, particularly where vaccination coverage is insufficient and misinformation fuels vaccine hesitancy.
UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, emphasized that while cases have decreased, the conditions that caused recent resurgences persist. She noted that until all children are reached with vaccinations and hesitancy addressed, children remain at risk of severe illness or death from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Although overall cases declined, 2025 still saw higher numbers than most years since 2000, and some countries even reported more cases than in 2024. Measles transmission continues into 2026, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities.
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, underlined that nearly 75% fewer cases were reported in 2025, but outbreaks remain a threat. Over the past three years, more than 200,000 people in the region contracted measles. Dr. Kluge stressed that achieving 95% vaccination coverage, closing immunity gaps across all age groups, strengthening disease surveillance, and ensuring timely outbreak response are crucial to stopping the virus. He also highlighted the importance of relying on verified health information from credible sources such as WHO, UNICEF, and national health agencies to combat misinformation.
The European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination reported in September 2025 that 19 countries had continuing or re-established endemic measles transmission, up from 12 the previous year, marking the most significant setback in measles elimination in recent years. Strengthening outbreak preparedness and achieving measles elimination remain key public health priorities across Europe and Central Asia. UNICEF and WHO collaborate with governments, Gavi, the European Union, and other partners to engage communities, train healthcare workers, strengthen immunization programs and surveillance, and implement measles vaccination catch-up campaigns.
Measles is highly contagious, with each infected person potentially transmitting the virus to up to 18 unvaccinated individuals, making it about 12 times more contagious than influenza. In addition to hospitalization and death, measles can cause long-term complications and suppress the immune system, leaving survivors vulnerable to other infections. Two doses of measles-containing vaccine provide up to 97% lifelong protection, and achieving 95% coverage with two doses annually in every community is essential to prevent outbreaks, ensure herd immunity, and protect those too young or medically unable to receive the vaccine.
