Share on PinterestThe U.K. and other European countries have lost their measles elimination status, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Image credit: NurPhoto/Getty Images
- The United Kingdom and five other European countries have lost their measles elimination status, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- This is based on 2024 data that shows a resurgence in cases.
- The WHO says that vaccination is key, and uptake levels have fallen.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the United Kingdom and other European countries have lost their measles elimination status.
This status change comes after a rise in infections across the continent.
“Outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are threats to health security in Europe, alongside antimicrobial resistance and other emerging threats,” a spokesperson for WHO/Europe told Medical News Today.
“Persistent immunity gaps led to a Region-wide resurgence in measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in 2024 and a decrease in the number of countries that have achieved or sustained measles elimination status,” they explained.
6 European countries have lost measles elimination status
According to the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC), 11% — or a total of six — of the Member States have re-established measles transmissions, leading to a removal of their elimination status.
The six countries that have experienced this change in measles elimination status are:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan.
The RVC noted that some of these countries with re-established measles have well-established immunization programs. It also suggested that this highlights an urgent need for greater financial and political commitment from both international organizations and countries.
“Over 125,000 [people] caught measles in 2024 — twice as many as 2023. These are not just numbers – it’s hundreds of thousands of families in anguish because their children are sick, and it could have been prevented,” stated Hans Henri P. Kluge, MD, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in a 2025 press release.
Declining vaccination rates may be responsible
Countries are granted elimination status when they have sustained coverage of at least 95% with two doses of the MMR vaccine, according to the WHO.
Across Europe, the vaccination coverage for the MMR vaccine fell from 92% to 91% between 2019 and 2024.
“Through strengthened surveillance, improved outbreak response, and focused efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities, all countries can achieve and sustain elimination,” the WHO/Europe spokesperson noted to MNT.
According to the U.K. Government, the overall rate of MMR immunization is 84.5%. The lowest rate among U.K. countries was in England, with a rate of 83.9%. The U.K. also reported 957 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England since January 1, 2025.
The U.K. Health Security Agency (UK HSA) has urged that all children should be vaccinated to protect them against measles. The UK HSA also noted that 99% of those who are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine are protected against measles and rubella.
Children should be offered their first dose at 12 months of age and the second dose at 18 months of age. The UK HSA also notes that older children and adults who are not fully vaccinated can still have the MMR vaccine.
What to know about measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms typically begin within 7 to 14 days after infection.
Symptoms within 7 to 14 days can include:
- high fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, watery eyes.
Within 2 to 3 days of the onset of initial symptoms, small white spots (Koplik spots) may appear in the mouth.
Around 3 to 5 days after the initial onset of symptoms, a measles rash may appear. This typically begins as flat red or discolored spots that appear on the face near the hairline. These spots then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
The rash may include:
- small raised bumps that appear on top of the flat spots
- spots that join together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body
- a fever spike to more than 104°F (40°C).
The best way to prevent the spread of measles and protect yourself is to speak with a healthcare professional about the MMR vaccine and ensure children receive both doses.
