Authorities are concerned about a significant surge in measles cases, attributed to low vaccination coverage. Romania reported the highest number of cases in Europe for 2024, with 30,692, followed by Kazakhstan with 28,147.
Less than 80% of eligible children in Romania were vaccinated with MCV1 in 2023 – far below the 95% coverage rate required to retain herd immunity, the same level as countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
According to an analysis by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 127.350 measles cases were reported in the European Region for 2024, double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997.
Children under 5 accounted for more than 40% of reported cases in the region – comprising 53 countries in Europe and central Asia. More than half of the reported cases required hospitalization. A total of 38 deaths have been reported, based on preliminary data received as of 6 March 2025.
