Global measles cases are on the rise,reversing decades of progress in controlling the highly contagious virus,according to a new report from the World Health Organization. An estimated 95,000 measles deaths occurred worldwide in 2024, primarily among young children, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine [[1]], [[2]], and [[3]]. The surge, driven largely by declining vaccination rates, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability to outbreaks when immunization coverage falters.
Global measles cases surged by 47% in Europe and Central Asia last year, largely due to declining vaccination rates, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). This increase is a concerning sign, as progress made in the 21st century to reduce measles infections and deaths begins to reverse.
An estimated 95,000 people worldwide died from measles in 2024, primarily children under the age of five. While this is significantly lower than the 780,000 deaths recorded in 2000, the WHO emphasizes that “Every death from a vaccine-preventable disease that is highly effective and affordable is unacceptable.”
Vaccination campaigns against measles have saved nearly 59 million lives globally since the start of the century, the WHO reports. However, the virus is now making a comeback, with approximately 11 million infections reported last year – an increase of around 800,000 cases compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Earlier this year, the agency reported more than 120,000 measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, representing the highest level in over 25 years. This resurgence highlights the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Significant outbreaks were recorded in 59 countries last year, nearly three times the number reported in 2021, according to the WHO. “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus, and these data show once again how quickly it will exploit any gap in our collective defenses,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.
A key driver of these outbreaks is a growing number of people forgoing vaccination. Because measles is so contagious, health authorities say at least 95% of the population needs to be immunized to protect against the virus.
Globally, an estimated 84% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine last year, while 76% received their second dose, according to WHO data. While this represents a slight increase from the previous year – with two million more children vaccinated – it still leaves over 30 million children “suboptimally protected” against measles in 2024, particularly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Even countries with high overall vaccination coverage can experience outbreaks if pockets of unvaccinated individuals remain. The WHO warns that the resurgence of measles often signals weaknesses in health systems and vaccination programs worldwide.
Children who survive measles are at increased risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and damage. The WHO is calling for increased funding and renewed efforts to eliminate measles globally.
“Measles doesn’t respect borders, but when every child, in every community, is vaccinated, costly outbreaks can be avoided, lives can be saved, and this disease can be eliminated from entire countries,” said Tedros. The findings underscore the ongoing public health challenges related to vaccine hesitancy and the need for sustained investment in immunization programs.
