Measles cases in France have surged in 2026, with the French public health agency reporting over 5,000 confirmed cases as of May 21, 2026. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, when fewer than 1,000 cases were recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have issued a joint statement urging countries to strengthen vaccination campaigns.
Other countries, including Romania and the United States, have also seen outbreaks. Romania reported over 3,000 cases in 2026, while the U.S. has recorded outbreaks in several states, particularly among unvaccinated communities. The WHO attributes the rise to declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health officials emphasize that the measles vaccine is safe and effective, with two doses providing 97% protection. In France, vaccination coverage for the first dose is around 90%, but the second dose lags at 80%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
