The number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia has surged, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF issuing a stark warning that the region saw double the number of infections in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking a “wake-up call” for global health. In 2024, a staggering 127,350 cases were reported in the region, the highest number since 1997, amounting to a third of the worldwide total of 359,521 cases.
Concerted efforts must be taken to combat this alarming trend, particularly as more than 40% of the cases in Europe were young children under the age of five. The WHO and UNICEF have urgently called for action to bolster vaccination rates, highlighting that in 2023, half a million children missed the first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1) that is typically administered through routine immunisation services.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system, manifesting with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. With two doses of the measles vaccine demonstrating 97% effectiveness in preventing the disease, the need for widespread vaccination campaigns is paramount. The virus can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, dehydration, and blindness, further underscoring the urgency of addressing this concerning rise in cases.
### Urgent Plea for Vaccination
More than half of the measles cases in Europe required hospitalization, and tragically, 38 individuals succumbed to the disease. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Europe Director, delivered a sobering message, stating, “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call,” emphasizing the critical role that high vaccination rates play in safeguarding public health. Dr. Kluge poignantly remarked, “Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security… The measles virus never rests – and neither can we.”
Romania and Kazakhstan bore the brunt of the measles outbreak in Europe, with 30,692 and 28,147 infections, respectively, reported last year, highlighting the urgency to address this public health crisis on a global scale. Concerns loom large across the continent as vaccination rates in several countries remain below the recommended 95% coverage rate needed to avert widespread outbreaks.
### Lingering Vaccine Concerns
Despite compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of measles vaccines, concerns stemming from misinformation have persisted for decades. Dr. Ben Kasstan-Dabush from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reiterated the importance of vaccination, cautioning against the detrimental effects of vaccine misinformation. Dr. Kasstan-Dabush emphasized, “It’s never too late to get vaccinated,” shedding light on the devastating consequences of even a slight decline in vaccine uptake.
The United States faced its own measles dilemma, with an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico leading to the country’s first measles-related deaths in a decade. The resurgence of measles cases globally underscores the critical need for robust vaccination efforts and public health education to combat misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
In conclusion, the rising measles cases in Europe serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of vaccination and collective action to protect public health. As the WHO and UNICEF urge countries to prioritize immunisation efforts and bolster vaccination rates, the urgency to address this preventable but dangerous disease has never been more evident. Let this serve as a clarion call for renewed vigilance and commitment to safeguarding global health.
