• Measles incidents in Europe surged to 127,350 cases in 2024, doubling from the previous year.
• Children under five made up over 40% of these cases, with more than half requiring hospitalization.
• Romania and Kazakhstan reported the highest numbers, accounting for significant proportions of the total cases.
• The WHO warns that without effective vaccination campaigns, health security remains at risk.

In a concerning trend, the number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia has doubled to reach a staggering 127,350 cases in 2024, marking the highest level reported since 1997. The surge reflects a critical backslide in vaccination rates during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as detailed in a joint report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

The breakdown shows that children aged under five years constituted more than 40% of cases, with a **notable** consequence of over half the reported individuals requiring hospitalization. The countries most affected by the outbreak were Romania and Kazakhstan, which registered 30,692 and 28,147 cases respectively, underscoring regional disparities in vaccination coverage.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe, commented, “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.” Furthermore, just 83% of children received their first dose of the vaccine in 2023, with the percentage dropping to merely 74% for the second dose, far below the recommended threshold of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. In response, the WHO urges authorities to intensify vaccination campaigns, particularly in communities exhibiting low uptake.

The WHO/UNICEF joint analysis highlights that Europe accounted for roughly one-third of the global measles cases last year, suggesting a troubling trend in public health. As a consequence of longstanding vaccine safety concerns and misinformation, vaccination rates have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, exposing populations to vulnerabilities.

Misinformation about vaccines continues to spread. As reiterated by health experts, accurate information remains critical for public health. “Even a small decline in vaccine uptake can have devastating consequences,” stated Ben Kasstan-Dabush, a global health expert. More than 200 cases have already been reported in the UK, and ongoing outbreaks in the U.S. highlight the urgent need for protective health measures.

This resurgence not only poses risks to individual health but also to the broader community. The WHO warns that immediate action is needed to curb this troubling trend, urging governments to guide their vaccination strategies effectively.

For further details, you can read the original reports from the The Local, BBC, ABC News, and Los Angeles Times.