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

The WHO report indicating a fall in the number of measles cases in Europe and Asia suggests that this decline is partly due to the fact that a large proportion of the previously unprotected population has already been infected, which also has a negative implication for us. Indeed, Spain and other countries have lost their place on the list of measles-free countries after a long period during which we had been free of the disease.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, perhaps surpassed only by COVID-19, and controlling its spread therefore requires an extremely high proportion of the population to be immunised with a vaccine that is very safe and effective. The outbreaks seen in recent years, both in the United States and in Europe, should be linked to the decline in vaccination coverage observed after the COVID-19 pandemic. We were very close to eradicating the disease, and its re-emergence as a result of vaccine refusal represents a major missed opportunity.

Measles can lead to very serious complications, including death, and should not be regarded as a trivial illness. In addition, measles causes the loss of immune memory cells, meaning that we lose previously acquired protection against other diseases and are therefore exposed to them. It is therefore essential to restore vaccination coverage levels that ensure effective control of the disease.