Measles Cases Surge Across Europe, Raising Alarms for Public Health Officials

Measles cases are surging across Europe, with 56,634 cases and four deaths reported in the first three months of 2024. This alarming trend is expected to surpass the 61,070 cases and 13 deaths recorded in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The rise in measles cases is particularly concerning for children under five, who are most at risk of severe complications.

The surge in measles cases is attributed to several factors, including the slow recovery in vaccination coverage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the breakdown in immunizations stemming from vaccine hesitancy or misinformation. In 2023, more than half of the children who contracted measles in Europe were hospitalized, highlighting the severe impact of the disease on young children.

Why this matters: The surge in measles cases across Europe has significant implications for public health and highlights the importance of vaccination efforts. If left unchecked, the outbreak could lead to further spread of the disease, resulting in increased hospitalizations and even deaths.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Even one case of measles should be an urgent call to action. No one should suffer the consequences of this devastating but easily preventable disease." UNICEF and WHO are urging countries to increase vaccination coverage, implement public health measures such as case finding and contact tracing, and improve preparedness to respond to potential outbreaks by increasing stockpiles of the vaccine and other vital medical supplies.

The situation is dire in several countries, with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia reporting the highest number of cases. In Western Europe, the UK has experienced a significant resurgence, reporting 456 cases. The WHO notes that measles had previously been eradicated in 27 out of 33 of its Member States before the latest surge in cases.

Nearly half of the measles cases reported in 2023 involved children under five years of age, with more than three-quarters of this group having not received any measles vaccination doses. The WHO and UNICEF stress the importance of achieving high vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks, recommending that at least 95% of children need to be fully vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the critical need for urgent government action, stating, "An increase in measles cases is a clear sign of a breakdown in immunization coverage. As cases of measles continue to surge, we need urgent government action to both strengthen health systems and implement effective public health measures to secure protection for all children from this dangerous but preventable disease."

Globally, measles cases are also on the rise, with over 300,000 cases reported worldwide in 2023. The numbers reported so far in 2024 indicate that the total for the year will match or exceed the total in 2023. Countries must take immediate action to vaccinate the vulnerable, close immunity gaps, and prevent the virus from taking hold in any community.

The surge in measles cases across Europe underlines the need for robust public health measures and increased vaccination efforts. Ensuring that children receive timely vaccinations is essential to preventing further outbreaks and safeguarding public health.

Key Takeaways

• Measles cases surge in Europe: 56,634 cases, 4 deaths in Q1 2024.
• Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and COVID-19 pandemic slow vaccination recovery.
• Children under 5 most at risk, with 50% of cases hospitalized in 2023.
• WHO, UNICEF urge countries to increase vaccination coverage, preparedness.
• Global measles cases also rise, with 300,000+ cases reported in 2023.