Measles Cases Surge to Highest Levels in 28 Years Across Europe

A sharp rise in measles cases, fueled by insufficient vaccination rates, alarms health authorities in France and globally.

127,350 measles cases were reported in the European region in 2024, doubling from 2023 and marking the highest level since 1997.
Over 40% of cases in Europe involve children under five, with more than half requiring hospitalization and 38 deaths reported so far in 2025.
Global and regional health agencies attribute the spike to declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing gaps in immunization coverage.
France has recorded 167 measles cases in 2025 across eight regions, with the Hauts-de-France region being the most affected.
Health authorities emphasize the need to achieve a 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, as measles remains one of the most contagious diseases worldwide.