According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) through April 2025, measles cases have spiked across several EU countries, with Romania reporting the highest numbers.
Romania Leads EU in Measles Infections
Romania has recorded 3,605 measles cases so far this year, with three deaths reported. The country’s ongoing outbreak is fueled by widespread anti-vaccine attitudes, conflicting health messages, and a healthcare system under pressure.
In 2023, only 62 percent of Romanians were fully vaccinated against measles. This is well below the 95 percent vaccination rate needed to stop outbreaks.
France Sees Rising Cases, Linked to Morocco
France has reported 526 measles cases in 2025. The ECDC notes a “notable increase” in imported measles cases, especially from Morocco. So far, at least 41 infections in France have been traced back to travelers from Morocco, up from 26 in 2024.
While 93 percent of the French population was vaccinated against measles in 2023, pockets of unvaccinated people remain vulnerable to outbreaks.
Measles Clusters in the Netherlands, Mainly Among Children
The Netherlands has reported 371 measles cases in the first four months of 2025. Over two dozen infections came from people who contracted the virus abroad, mostly in Morocco or Romania.
Dutch health officials say there are clusters of cases in places like primary schools and childcare centers. Most patients are children under 10 years old. However, authorities stress that the country is not facing a national outbreak.
At 81 percent, the Netherlands has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the EU, only ahead of Romania and Cyprus, which have 80 percent coverage.
Italy’s Cases Among the Highest in the EU
Italy has seen 268 measles cases so far in 2025. In the year ending January 2025, only Romania had more cases in the EU. Italy’s vaccination rate was 85 percent in 2023, which is below the level needed to prevent outbreaks.
Spain Faces Multiple Outbreaks Amid High Vaccination Rates
Spain has reported 251 measles infections this year, including some cases imported from abroad. Despite this, Spain’s vaccination rate was high at 92 percent in 2023, close to the threshold for herd immunity.
The Spanish Ministry of Health urged people in May to check their vaccination status. The ministry warned that increased travel after the pandemic has raised the risk of imported measles cases.
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