WHO involved about excessive variety of measles circumstances in North America | EUROtoday

As of: February 11, 2026 5:40 p.m

The variety of measles circumstances in Europe has fallen considerably. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization sees trigger for concern. In North America, rising an infection numbers are alarming with a view to the upcoming World Cup.

Measles circumstances in Europe fell considerably final yr. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), round 34,000 sicknesses had been reported within the 53 international locations of the European area, round 75 p.c fewer than within the earlier yr. In Germany, the variety of reported circumstances additionally fell in comparison with 2024.

The WHO attributes the decline, amongst different issues, to elevated management measures. At the identical time, the virus unfold in unvaccinated inhabitants teams, which made extra folks immune. However, the group doesn’t give the all-clear.

Measles could cause severe problems

The WHO warns that main outbreaks are nonetheless potential. The purpose stays a vaccination price of 95 p.c with two doses of vaccine. This is the one method to completely include the unfold of the extremely contagious virus. On common, one contaminated particular person infects 18 unvaccinated folks.

Measles could cause severe problems, together with meningitis with everlasting injury. In uncommon circumstances, the illness may even be deadly.

Several international locations that had been beforehand thought of measles-free misplaced that standing after main outbreaks, together with Spain, Great Britain and Austria. Germany remains to be not thought of measles-free.

Vaccination price in Germany stays beneath goal

In Germany, the variety of infections has been topic to vital fluctuations for years. During the corona pandemic they had been very low because of contact restrictions. However, 645 circumstances had been reported in 2024, reaching the extent of the pre-pandemic years. In 2025, the Robert Koch Institute solely registered 232 circumstances.

Nevertheless, the vaccination price of 95 p.c beneficial by the WHO for 2 vaccinations has not been achieved. The quota is missed, particularly for the second vaccination dose. The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends two mixture vaccinations in opposition to mumps, measles and rubella on the age of 11 and 15 months.

Significant enhance in North America

The WHO is especially involved about North America. More than 7,000 circumstances of measles had been recorded in Mexico from early 2025 to mid-January 2026. 24 folks died.

The numbers are additionally rising in Canada and the USA. More than 5,500 infections and two deaths have been reported in Canada thus far. In the USA, greater than 2,400 folks grew to become in poor health and three of them died.

In view of the upcoming Football World Cup, the event can be coming into focus. The WHO emphasizes that top vaccination charges stay the simplest safety in opposition to a renewed unfold.