Global Measles Resurgence Highlights Vaccination Gaps and Public Health Risks

The United States, Europe, and Afghanistan face alarming outbreaks attributed to disrupted immunization programs and vaccine hesitancy.

The United States has reported 301 measles cases across multiple states as of March 13, 2025, with 259 cases in Texas, including 34 hospitalizations and 1 death.
In Europe, 2024 marked the highest measles case count in 25 years, with 127,350 cases reported, over half requiring hospitalization, and 38 deaths, mostly among children under 5.
Afghanistan has experienced a severe surge in measles cases in 2025, with Médecins Sans Frontières reporting one child dying daily from complications in the first two months of the year.
Global measles vaccination coverage stands at 83%, falling significantly short of the 95% needed to achieve herd immunity, exacerbated by COVID-19 disruptions and vaccine misinformation.
Health organizations, including WHO and CDC, are calling for urgent action to address immunization gaps and combat vaccine hesitancy to prevent further outbreaks.