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A measles epidemic is sweeping Europe
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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A measles epidemic has swept across European countries. This was stated in a press release from the World Health Organization.
According to the report, during the first half of 2011, more than 26,000 cases of measles were recorded in the region, with nine deaths from the infection. Compared to the same period last year, the increase in incidence was 276%.
The report emphasizes that the emerging complex epidemiological situation threatens the implementation of the previously adopted plan to eliminate measles in the countries of the European Region by 2015.
The WHO European Region includes countries of Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
According to the World Health Organization, measles outbreaks have been reported in 40 of the 53 countries in the European Region, with the actual number of cases significantly higher than currently available statistics due to delays in collecting and processing reports of new cases.
The greatest increase in measles cases has been noted in Western European countries, with France leading the way, with more than 14,000 cases of infection recorded since the beginning of 2011. However, according to the World Health Organization, the geography of measles outbreaks indicates that the epidemic process is covering the entire European region and is spreading beyond its borders.
In view of the sharp increase in measles cases, countries in the affected region are advised to strengthen their efforts to monitor measles outbreaks, continue previously adopted vaccination programs to ensure vaccination coverage of up to 95% of the population, strengthen immunization promotion activities, especially among teenagers and young people, and introduce additional immunization programs aimed at hard-to-reach population groups.
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