Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 11, 2026 Healthcare
The number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2025 has significantly decreased compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region. However, the threat of new outbreaks remains, warn the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2025, 33,998 measles cases were registered in the region—almost 75 percent fewer than the previous year, when 127,412 cases were recorded. This decline is due both to the implementation of special measures and to a gradual decline in the number of people susceptible to the infection, after many people in areas with low vaccination rates had already contracted the disease.
Operational measures and the fight against disinformation
WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge noted that over the past three years, more than 200,000 people have contracted measles in the region. Despite encouraging trends, the 2025 figures still exceed those seen in most years since 2000. In some countries, the number of cases has even exceeded the 2024 figures. Measles cases will continue to be recorded in 2026. However, many of these cases could have been prevented with more widespread routine immunization and a more rapid response to outbreaks.
“While the number of cases has decreased, the factors that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years have not gone away – and with them it is necessary to fight" said Regina de Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. She emphasized that all children should have access to vaccinations. It is also essential to combat the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
Based on country data for 2024, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination found that the number of countries where measles remains or has been re-established endemic has increased to 19, compared with 12 countries the previous year.
Consequences of the spread of infection
Outbreak preparedness and response, as well as achieving measles elimination, remain public health priorities in Europe and Central Asia. UNICEF and WHO, together with governments and partners, are working to prevent and contain the infection by engaging with communities, training health workers, strengthening immunization programs and surveillance systems, and conducting catch-up vaccination campaigns.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. A single infected person can infect up to 18 unvaccinated people, making measles approximately 12 times more contagious than the flu. In addition to hospitalization and death, the disease can lead to to severe long-term complicationsIt can also "erase" the body's immune memory of how to fight infections for months and even years to come. As a result, those who have recovered from the virus become more vulnerable to other illnesses that can be fatal.
Two doses of the measles vaccine provide up to 97 percent lifelong protection. To prevent outbreaks and achieve herd immunity—which protects both infants too young to be vaccinated and people for whom it is contraindicated for medical reasons, such as immunodeficiency—at least 95 percent of the population must be immunized.
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