Study Shows Measles Resurgence Among Children

A new analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. CDC reveals a worrying global rebound of measles, with an estimated 10.3 million cases in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the year before.
The data shows that more than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine that year, leaving large immunity gaps.
The WHO and UNICEF report also highlights a critical issue: current vaccination coverage for measles remains well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Because of this, outbreaks are becoming more frequent and widespread, especially in communities where immunization rates are too low.
World Health Organization
Regional data raises further alarm. In Europe and Central Asia, measles cases surged dramatically in 2024 to the highest levels seen since 1997.
More than 40% of the reported cases were in children under five, many of whom had not received the full two-dose vaccination.
World Health Organization
Public health experts are calling on countries to urgently strengthen routine immunization services, close zero-dose coverage gaps, and counter rising vaccine hesitancy. According to WHO and UNICEF, falling coverage, funding shortfalls, and misinformation are fueling the resurgence.