The European health authorities warn that the cases of measles will increase in the coming months

Cases of measlesIn Europe They have multiplied by thirteen years in the last year, therefore the health authorities Urge the population to be vaccinated Against this highly contagious disease.

From the beginning of 2024 to the beginning of 2025 they were notified More than 32,000 cases of measles in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is a remarkable increase since 2023, When less than 2,400 cases were notified, According to the European Center for the prevention and control of diseases (ECDC).

The Community Agency has warned that cases are likely to increase in the coming months, since Morbillo in 2024 reached its maximum point during the first half of the year. “This indicates that the virus is circulating in the region and the number of cases will probably increase during the spring of 2025,” they declared from the ECDC.

Most cases of measles in the last year have appeared in Romania (27,568), followed by Italy (1,097), Germany (637), Belgium (551) y Austria (542). But all countries of the European Economic Spazio (EEE) – which includes the extra nations – -community of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – have also notified cases.

Eighteen people They died of this diseasein Romania and one in Ireland. According to the ECDC, the vast majority of the infects (86%) was not vaccinated. Many were children under the age of 4. “The ongoing transmission indicates the existence of lagoons in the coverage of vaccination against this preventable disease, both in children, in children and adults,” said the agency.

Morbillo is so contagious one The unvaccinated person can get sick If you enter a room where a The infected person tossite Or sneezes up to two hours earlier, even if it has already started.

How can measures be prevented?

The health authorities affirm it At least 95% of a community must be immunized With two injections to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable people who cannot vaccinate, Like children. But in 2023, only four countries fulfilled to that threshold: Hungary, Malta, Portugal and Slovakia.

Symptoms of mild measles cause rash, fever and cough. In serious cases it can cause pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Cases of measles have increased all over the worldNot only in Europe. The ECDC recommends that the population controls its vaccination status, especially if you plan to travel abroad. “For decades, a safe and effective vaccine was used to prevent measles,” says the agency. “If you are not sure of your vaccination story or if you need a guide on children’s vaccination, consult a healthcare professional,” concludes this organ.