Measles Matter: Recent Outbreaks Highlight the Need for Catch-up Vaccination in Europe and Around the Globe

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. The disease is most common in children but can affect people of all ages. Since the beginning of 2023, the WHO European Region has experienced a concerning resurgence of measles, with over 30,000 cases reported in the first ten months of 2023, marking a more than 30-fold increase compared to the previous year. This rapid resurgence of measles can be largely attributed to a decline in vaccination coverage in the European region during 2020-2022, a period heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the resurgence of measles demands a multi-faceted approach. Efforts to identify and rectify immunization disparities within communities are of utmost importance. Tailored immunization strategies and catch-up campaigns are being initiated, supported by collaborative efforts to conduct case investigations, enhance disease surveillance, and implement outbreak response immunization.