‘It’s a powder keg’: Romania leads EU measles cases as vaccination rates collapse
Summary
Romania is experiencing the worst measles outbreak in the European Union, with over 35,000 cases and at least 30 deaths between 2023 and 2025. The main cause is a sharp drop in vaccination rates, which are now far below the level needed to stop the spread of the disease.Key Facts
- Romania had four measles epidemics since 2005, with the latest in 2024 causing many infections and deaths.
- In 2024, Romania reported about 87% of all measles cases in the EU.
- Vaccination coverage for the first MMR dose is only 47.4% at 14 months and 81% by 18 months, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
- Only about 60% of children nationally receive the second dose of MMR vaccine, with some communities as low as 20%.
- Measles can cause serious health problems like pneumonia and brain swelling, especially in young children.
- Poor living conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and a shortage of general practitioners contribute to low vaccination rates.
- Vaccination in Romania is not mandatory, and recent changes in health policy have made it harder to get vaccines.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decline in vaccination rates.
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