Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia decreased significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, but the risk of new outbreaks remains, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) warn, citing preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region.
According to the data, 33.998 cases were recorded in 2025, almost 75% fewer than the 127.412 in 2024. The downward trend is attributed both to epidemic response measures, such as vaccination campaigns, and to the gradual reduction in the number of vulnerable individuals, as the virus spread through communities with low vaccination coverage.
As stated in a statement, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, emphasized that, despite the reduction, "the conditions that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years remain" and that until all children are vaccinated and the hesitancy reinforced by misinformation is addressed, children will continue to be at risk of serious illness or death from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, noted, according to the announcement, that although cases decreased by almost 75% last year, “the risk of outbreaks remains,” adding that in the past three years more than 200.000 people have fallen ill in the region. He stressed that without 95% vaccination coverage in every community, closing “immunity gaps” across all ages, enhanced surveillance and timely response to outbreaks, the highly contagious virus will continue to spread.
The announcement notes that the level of cases in 2025 remains higher than in most years since 2000, while in some countries more cases were recorded in 2025 than in 2024 and cases continue to be identified in 2026. It is recalled that measles is one of the most contagious viruses, as one case can infect up to 18 unvaccinated people, while two doses of vaccine provide up to 97% long-term protection.
