Reacción a "Preliminary data show that measles cases in Europe declined in 2025, although they increased in countries such as Spain"

Although the incidence in Europe fell in 2025 compared with 2024, are we still in a fragile situation?

“In overall terms, there were fewer measles cases in Europe in 2025, bearing in mind that there was a sharp increase in cases in 2024. However, levels remain higher than in previous years (2022–2023), and cases are still appearing in 2026, so the possibility of transmission persists.

Another point to note is that this trend is not the same across all countries, as Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom and Armenia have recently lost their measles elimination status. In fact, the number of countries where the virus continues to circulate continuously or where endemic transmission is being re-established has increased from 12 to 19.”

The data became known after the WHO announced that Spain has lost its measles-free status. How do you assess this?

“This shows that we cannot let our guard down. If vaccination coverage does not reach at least 95%, measles re-emerges, as it is an extremely contagious virus. In Spain, coverage for the second dose of the vaccine is below 94%, and this could explain the increase in cases in our country.

We need to carry out campaigns to raise vaccination coverage. We have highly effective vaccines, and measles can be a dangerous disease — it can even be fatal.

The Spanish Society of Immunology has prepared a position statement on the measles situation.”

Is there any major limitation to these data?

“The note itself states that the data obtained from 53 World Health Organization Member States on measles infections could be higher. In fact, in 2024 there was a discrepancy between the information system, which indicated 127,412 cases, and the final figure reported, which was 151,040 cases. This could also happen with the 2025 data, which may currently be underestimated.”

How do these figures fit with the existing evidence?

“The data come from a reliable organisation and are similar to those reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.”