The world is witnessing a sharp rise in measles cases in 2024 and 2025. This increase threatens to reverse decades of progress in public health. The United States has reported the highest number of cases in 30 years. Similar outbreaks have been noted across Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Experts attribute this resurgence mainly to falling vaccination rates and weakened health systems.
Current Global Measles Situation
Measles cases have surged dramatically worldwide. In 2023, over 10.3 million cases were reported globally, compared to just 10,000 in 2022. Africa accounted for nearly half of all major outbreaks. Europe reported confirmed cases in 41 out of 53 countries. The Americas saw an eleven-fold increase early in 2025, largely due to imported cases from high-prevalence regions. The US alone confirmed about 1,300 cases from 40 states in 2025, the highest in three decades.
Causes of Measles Resurgence
Declining vaccination rates are the primary cause. In the US, kindergarten vaccination coverage fell below 93% during the 2023-24 school year. This is below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Nonmedical exemptions rose to a record 3.3%. Other factors include war, displacement, and interrupted vaccination campaigns. Weak health infrastructure in certain areas worsens the problem. The resurgence is a clear sign of eroding public trust and gaps in immunisation efforts.
Impact and Risks of Measles
Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations. Complications are serious and sometimes fatal. One to three children per 1,000 infected may die without vaccination. Others suffer pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, encephalitis, or deafness. A rare but deadly condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can develop years after infection. The recent Texas outbreak caused two child deaths and hundreds of cases in areas with low vaccine coverage.
Public Health and Policy Responses
Experts call for urgent vaccination drives targeting unvaccinated children and adults. Public awareness campaigns must address vaccine hesitancy, especially in underserved and rural areas. Strengthening outbreak surveillance and response systems at all levels is critical. The Global Virus Network warns that declining routine immunisation weakens global pandemic preparedness. Rebuilding trust in vaccines and health infrastructure is essential to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard future health security.
Role of Global Travel and Future Threats
Post-pandemic global travel has resumed, increasing the risk of local outbreaks spreading internationally. Measles outbreaks serve as a warning about the dangers of neglecting vaccine-preventable diseases. Scientists emphasise that failure to maintain immunisation threatens not only individual lives but also global health resilience against emerging viral threats.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of declining vaccination rates on global public health and pandemic preparedness. Provide examples from recent outbreaks.
- Explain the role of herd immunity in controlling contagious diseases like measles. How do vaccine exemptions affect this protection?
- What are the challenges faced by health systems in conflict-affected and underserved regions in maintaining routine immunisation? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges.
- With suitable examples, comment on how global travel influences the spread of infectious diseases and the importance of international cooperation in outbreak control.
