Six countries have lost their "measles-free" status
According to information from the World Health Organization, Kyrgyzstan has become the country with the highest measles incidence in the Eurasian region, as reported by Euronews.
According to WHO data, there have been 1,167 reported cases of the disease per million residents in the republic, of which 11 resulted in fatalities.
In Europe, the highest number of cases is observed in Romania, where there are 222 cases per million people, while in Belgium this figure is 33. In most other EU countries, there is a decrease in incidence; however, in Ukraine, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Georgia, and Israel, as of 2025, the level remains high.
After a significant outbreak of the infection in 2024, Austria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan lost their "measles-free" status.
WHO emphasizes that to combat the virus, a vaccination coverage of 95% must be achieved, immunity gaps among all age groups must be addressed, epidemiological surveillance must be strengthened, and rapid response to outbreaks must be ensured. Otherwise, the highly contagious virus will continue to spread.
Measles is caused by a virus that is easily transmitted through the air, for example, through coughing and sneezing. It is one of the most contagious diseases, being 12 times more infectious than the flu.
One infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 unvaccinated individuals.
Children receive their first dose of the vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between four and six years.
Symptoms, which typically last about seven days, include a runny nose, cough, and red eyes. However, complications can be severe, including breathing problems, pneumonia, blindness, ear infections, and encephalitis, which can lead to brain damage.
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