Measles cases drop in 2025 across Europe and Central Asia, but risks remain

WHO preliminary data show measles cases in Europe and Central Asia fell about 75% in 2025 to 33,998 from 127,412 in 2024, while UN agencies warned that immunity gaps and misinformation continue to pose outbreak risks.

Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia fell sharply in 2025, according to preliminary data released by the World Health Organization. Fifty-three countries reported 33,998 cases in 2025, down from 127,412 in 2024. UN agencies said the decline reflects outbreak response actions and a reduction in susceptible people after the virus spread through under-vaccinated communities. Officials cautioned that gaps in vaccination and the spread of misinformation continue to create risks for further outbreaks. Key facts: - WHO reported 33,998 measles cases in 2025 across 53 countries, a 75% decrease from 127,412 cases in 2024. - UNICEF and WHO said the overall drop reflects outbreak responses and the virus moving through under-vaccinated communities; some countries still reported more cases in 2025 than in 2024, and cases have continued to be detected into 2026. - Health agencies reported that two doses of measles-containing vaccine provide up to 97% protection and that about 95% two-dose coverage in every community is needed to prevent outbreaks; measles can infect many unvaccinated people from a single case. Summary: The reduction in reported cases lowers recent case counts but 2025 totals still exceed what has been reported for most years since 2000. WHO and UNICEF stressed closing immunity gaps, achieving high two-dose vaccination coverage, strengthening surveillance and ensuring timely outbreak response as ongoing priorities. Monitoring of measles in the region continues into 2026.