In 2023, doctors saw a significant increase in measles cases, including in 40 of the 53 European countries and at least 10 in EU/EEA countries. Numbers are expected to continue increasing in Europe in the coming months due to less-than-optimal vaccination coverage and a high probability of infected patients arriving from other areas of the world.
This evaluation is included in a recent report by ECDC Measles on the rise in the EU/EEA: Considerations for public health response. Data from January and February 2024 shows that at least seven deaths have been reported in two countries.
“Nobody should die from measles. The increase in cases of measles, a highly contagious, but vaccine-preventable disease, is a stark reminder that all Member States should maximise efforts to achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage for all vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to reduce the health burden of infectious diseases and avoid unnecessary loss of life,” said Andrea Ammon, ECDC Director.
Measles can affect individuals of all ages, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage across the entire population. The most at risk are infants too young to be immunised; usually those under 12 months, but this varies from country to country. Unvaccinated young children (under five years old) and immunocompromised adults are also at increased risk because measles can have several complications for these patients.
“The rising trend in measles cases across Europe is worrying. This is an extremely contagious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly for children and vulnerable persons. The good news is that it is a disease that is preventable through vaccination and that there are plenty of safe and effective vaccines available in the EU. When we see measles outbreaks, we know there is a gap in vaccinations. I urge everyone to check their vaccination status and parents to make sure their children and young person’s vaccines are up to date. Vaccination protects and saves lives, it is one of our strongest tools against measles and many other infectious diseases,” said Stella Kyriakides, the European Union Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
Measles spreads easily, and a high vaccination coverage — above 95% — is essential to interrupt transmission. The authors suggest that all countries need to identify and reach unvaccinated populations, especially those living in vulnerable conditions in refugee camps or those who may not have easy access to medical care, such as migrants and ethnic minorities. In addition, surveillance systems are crucial to detect and respond early to local measles outbreaks to limit further spreading. Efforts should also be made to identify why some communities decide not to vaccinate and develop ways to inform them about the benefits of vaccines.
The ECDC remains committed to working with EU/EEA countries to increase vaccination coverage and protect public health.