Europe Faces a Measles Resurgence: Where the Outbreaks Are Hitting Hardest in 2025

Measles on the March: A 25-Year High

Measles, a disease many thought was nearly eliminated in Europe, is staging a major comeback. In 2024, the region saw its worst measles numbers since 1997—with more than 120,000 cases across Europe and Central Asia.

That trend has continued into 2025. By the end of March, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recorded around 4,500 measles cases in the European Union alone. Health authorities are warning that these numbers are expected to climb in the months ahead.

A Preventable Threat with Dangerous Consequences

Measles is extremely contagious—even more so than COVID-19 or the flu. While it’s often mild, it can lead to severe complications or even death, particularly in young children. The good news: vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection.

Unfortunately, a significant number of recent cases involve unvaccinated children under five, according to the ECDC. That vulnerability is fueling outbreaks across the continent.

Romania: Epicenter of the EU Measles Crisis

No country in the EU has been hit harder than Romania, which has recorded 3,203 cases—more than 70% of the total EU count as of late March. Tragically, four people have died, making it the only EU country with measles-related deaths in 2025.

Romania’s measles outbreak is being fueled by:

• Persistent vaccine hesitancy

• Conflicting public health messaging

• A strained healthcare system

The country’s measles vaccination rate in 2023 was just 62%—alarmingly far below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

France: Imported Cases Spark New Clusters

France has reported 345 measles cases in 2025. A significant portion—at least 41 cases—have been linked to individuals who brought the virus into the country from Morocco, up from 26 such cases in 2024.

Despite a relatively high national vaccination rate of 93%, France still faces risk. Localized pockets of unvaccinated people provide fertile ground for outbreaks to spread.

Italy: Second-Highest Case Count After Romania

With 227 cases so far in 2025, Italy ranks just behind Romania in overall EU infections over the past year.

The country’s measles vaccination rate stood at 85% in 2023, still below the safety threshold. As a result, measles continues to gain a foothold, particularly in vulnerable communities.

The Netherlands: Clusters but No National Outbreak

The Netherlands reported 204 measles cases in the first quarter of 2025. Many of these cases were imported from Morocco and Romania, then spread within communities.

Dutch officials report localized clusters—particularly in primary schools and childcare centers—with most infections occurring in children under 10. However, there is no evidence of a nationwide outbreak at this time.

Alarmingly, the Netherlands had a vaccination rate of just 81% in 2023, one of the lowest in the EU. Only Romania and Cyprus (80%) ranked lower.

Spain: Near Herd Immunity, But Still Affected

Spain has reported 202 measles cases in 2025, including several imported cases. While the country has seen outbreaks in several regions, its high vaccination rate has helped limit the spread.

In 2023, 92% of the Spanish population was fully vaccinated—just shy of the 95% mark for herd immunity, but significantly higher than many peers.

The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for Europe

The recent surge in measles cases is a stark reminder of what happens when vaccination rates dip below safe levels. Travel, misinformation, and uneven access to healthcare have all contributed to the rise.

While measles is preventable, the consequences of complacency are now playing out across the continent.

Health experts continue to urge governments and communities to strengthen vaccine outreach, especially to vulnerable and underserved populations, before these local outbreaks become a regional epidemic.

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