The ECDC reports that almost 90% of those diagnosed in 2024 had not been vaccinated. Infants under one year old, who are too young for immunisation, remain the most vulnerable. To stop outbreaks, at least 95% of the eligible population needs full vaccination.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of ECDC, called for urgent action. “Vaccination is an act of solidarity. When we protect ourselves, we also protect others. We must be able to prevent the preventable,” she said.
Measles infections tend to peak in winter and spring. With increased travel expected during the Easter holidays, ECDC urges people to check their vaccination status and get catch-up doses if needed.
The agency is working with EU/EEA member states to improve vaccination uptake. It is using behavioural science to develop strategies, supporting prevention initiatives, and facilitating the sharing of best practices through its ECDC Lighthouse programme.
The surge in cases follows a broader trend. The World Health Organization reported 127,350 measles cases in its European Region in 2024, more than double the previous year.
Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can cause severe complications, including blindness, deafness, and long-term immune system damage.
HT