Measles Cases Rise in Italy and Europe, Sparking Public Health Concerns
A surge in measles cases is being reported across Italy and Europe, raising concerns among public health officials. While vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure, gaps in immunity, particularly among young adults and infants, are contributing to the spread of the virus.
Measles Resurgence in Italy
In January 2026, Italy reported 84 measles cases to its national integrated measles and rubella surveillance system, a notable increase compared to the 78 and 34 cases recorded in the same period in 2025 and 2024, respectively.1 Of these, 73 (86.9%) were laboratory-confirmed. The majority of cases (81 out of 84, or 96.4%) were concentrated in six regions: Lombardy, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, and Calabria.1
The median age of those infected is 28 years, but a significant number of cases are occurring in children under five, with two cases reported in infants under one year old.1 A concerning 90.9% of cases with known vaccination status were unvaccinated at the time of infection.1 Over a third of reported cases experienced at least one complication, most commonly pneumonia and hepatitis.1 Five healthcare workers were among those infected, with four being unvaccinated.1
Recent studies indicate that approximately 9.2% of the Italian population remains susceptible to measles in 2025.2 Young adults aged 20-40 are identified as a particularly vulnerable group.2
European Measles Situation
Across Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported 7,655 measles cases and 8 deaths in the EU/EEA countries between January 1 and December 31, 2025.2 While this represents a decrease from the over 35,000 cases in 2024, it is nearly double the number reported in 2023. The highest notification rates were observed in infants under one year of age and children aged 1 to 4 years.2 The vast majority of cases (79.9%) were unvaccinated, with smaller percentages having received one or two doses of the measles vaccine.2
WHO Concerns and Endemic Transmission
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in late January 2026 that Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan had re-established endemic measles transmission based on 2024 case numbers.2
The Importance of Vaccination
The WHO recommends that all countries include two doses of the measles-containing vaccine in their national immunization programs.1 Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its potentially serious complications.