BERLIN (Reuters) -The number of measles cases reported in the European region doubled in 2024 on the previous year to its highest level in more than 25 years, according to an analysis by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF published on Thursday.
Children under five accounted for more than 40% of the 127,350 cases reported last year in the region, which comprises 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, the WHO said in a statement.
“Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security,” Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said.
(Writing by Rachel MoreEditing by Ludwig Burger)
