Recent data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicate that there have been 7,655 reported cases of measles across 30 European Union and European Economic Area countries between January and December 2025. This marks a troubling trend, as the incidence of measles in Europe remains double the levels recorded in 2023. The report underscores a critical period for potential outbreaks, as measles cases typically peak during late winter and early spring, suggesting that the upcoming months are a high-risk time for increased transmission.

The data highlights that the majority of those infected were unvaccinated individuals, which raises alarms among health authorities. The ECDC stresses that measles is highly contagious and can easily spread through the air. To prevent outbreaks, it is imperative that at least 95% of the population is vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine to establish herd immunity. This is particularly important in protecting vulnerable populations, including very young children and those unable to receive vaccinations for medical reasons.

Furthermore, the report indicates that there have been eight reported deaths from measles in this period, with fatalities occurring in France, Romania, and the Netherlands. The spread of the disease not only poses risks to health but also reflects broader challenges in vaccine uptake across Europe. Health officials are calling for increased public awareness and action to ensure improved vaccination rates as a safeguard against future outbreaks.