Between March 2023 and February 2024, 5770 measles cases were reported, including 5 deaths. There is a 10-fold increase in Pertussis cases
Europe is seeing a surge in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. In a statement issued on Monday the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has flagged the increase in the number of measles and pertussis cases in countries across the continent.
The number of measles cases began to rise in 2023, and this trend has continued in several EU Member States. Between March 2023 and the end of February 2024, at least 5770 measles cases have been reported, including at least 5 deaths.
The highest risk is amongst infants below one year of age, as they are too young to be vaccinated and should therefore be protected by community immunity. Measles spreads very easily, therefore, high vaccination coverage, of at least 95% of the population vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, is essential to interrupt transmission.
An increase in pertussis cases has been reported since mid-2023 in several EU/EEA countries, with preliminary data indicating a more than 10-fold increase in cases in 2023 and 2024 compared to 2022 and 2021. Newborn babies and infants, who are too young to be fully vaccinated, are at an increased risk of severe disease and death. To best protect them, it is essential to ensure that all recommended pertussis-containing vaccines are given on time. Vaccination during pregnancy can also protect young infants.
“It is disheartening to see that despite decades of a well-documented safety and effectiveness track record of vaccines, countries in the EU/EEA and globally still face outbreaks of several vaccine-preventable diseases. Achieving and maintaining high vaccination uptake, disease surveillance and prompt response actions to control outbreaks remain the key actions against these diseases. Vaccines have protected many generations, and we should ensure that this continues to be the case”, Dr Andrea Simmons ECDC director said.