Measles cases in Europe have surged, doubling in just one year and reaching their highest levels since 1997, as stated by the World Health Organization, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund,UNICEF.

In a joint statement released Thursday, the two UN agencies disclosed that 127,350 cases were reported in 2024, marking a sharp increase from the 2023 total.

“Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe. The disease, one of the most contagious viruses, can weaken the immune system, making survivors more vulnerable to other infections.

Measles can also lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term health issues like blindness.

The rise in cases has been attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO and UNICEF warned that many countries have not yet returned to pre-pandemic vaccination levels, raising the risk of further outbreaks.

READ ALSO : Europe stirs diplomacy for ceasefire in Ukraine

In 2023, there were an estimated 107,500 measles-related deaths worldwide, mostly among children under five who were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.

By March 2025, 38 measles-related deaths had been reported in Europe, which accounted for a third of global cases in 2024.

Countries with significant outbreaks include Romania, which reported 30,692 cases, and Kazakhstan with 28,147.

Some countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, saw vaccination coverage rates fall below the critical 95% threshold required for herd immunity.

To combat this growing threat, WHO and UNICEF are urging governments to take immediate action by enhancing vaccination campaigns, particularly in regions with low coverage.

The agencies emphasized that improving vaccination rates and addressing gaps in health systems are essential to preventing further outbreaks.

Crediblenewsng.com