Vaccine hesitancy fuels measles surge in Europe

Measles cases are surging across Europe and the United States, raising concerns about declining vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy. This resurgence threatens decades of progress in disease eradication. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported over 35,000 measles cases in the EU/EEA during 2024, a tenfold increase from the previous year, primarily due to insufficient vaccination coverage. Experts emphasize the need for 95% vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity, with most infections occurring in unvaccinated individuals. The World Health Organization has noted the highest number of measles cases in its European region in 25 years. This situation highlights the importance of public trust in vaccines and the need for increased vaccination efforts, especially in vulnerable populations.