ADVERTISEMENTCases of measles in Europe have almost increased tenfold during the past year.
In March 2025, 1,097 cases were reported, 809 of which were confirmed as measles infections, according to the European Center for disease Prevention and Control (CEPCM).
Romania has recorded the greatest number of measles in the EU, with 397 people with the disease.
Next come France, with 161 confirmed cases, the Netherlands (95) and Italy (60).
In addition, at least nine EU countries have not reported a single case of measles.
France was the only country to report a death due to measles in March 2025.
In 2024, the European Union and the European Economic Area diagnosed more than 35,000 people with measles, and 23 people died from the disease.
More than a quarter of people diagnosed with measles in 2024 were over 14 years old.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world and is transmitted by a virus suspended in the air.
It generally infects the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal flow and rash.
In serious cases, measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, dehydration and blindness.
The peak was recorded in March 2024 with nearly 3,967 cases between 2020 and 2025.
To prevent measles epidemics and protect vulnerable populations, at least 95 % of the population eligible for vaccination should receive two doses of the measles vaccine, mumps and rubella (ROR).
Only Hungary, Malta, Slovakia and Portugal have reached the necessary coverage of the two doses.
The rest of the vaccination levels in Europe still do not reach this goal.
ADVERTISEMENT“Each dose of vaccine counts, and the moment chosen is important for optimal protection“Explains Pamela Rendi-Wagner, director of the ECDC.
