The WHO withdraws Spain’s measles-free status after a resurgence in cases

Following its annual evaluation of epidemiological and laboratory data for 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), through the European Regional Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella Elimination (CRV), has withdrawn Spain ‘s measles-free status . The organization considers that endemic measles transmission has been re-established in the country following an increase in cases . Spain obtained this certification in 2016 after a 36-month period of no endemic circulation.

Along with Spain, five other countries have moved from elimination to re-establishment of transmission (Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and the United Kingdom). In total, measles is persistently circulating in 13 countries in the region. Among them, France, Germany, and Italy have progressed from interrupted transmission to sustained transmission.

In 2025, 397 cases of measles were confirmed

Data provided by the Ministry of Health indicates that 467 suspected cases were reported in 2024, of which 227 were confirmed: 23.3% were imported, 44.9% were related to importation, and the origin could not be established in 32.2%. In 2025, up to December 28, 397 cases of measles had been confirmed out of a total of 971 suspected cases, including 108 imported cases (mainly from Morocco and Romania).

During 2024, 30 outbreaks were recorded in 12 autonomous communities, generally small in size and of limited duration. One of them, linked to a child population with low vaccination coverage, caused 52 cases and remained active for three months.

Globally and in Europe, a progressive increase in the number of measles cases has been recorded since 2022. In 2024, according to data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 35,212 cases were reported in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), compared to 3,973 the previous year.

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ELIMINATION OF MEASLES

Following this setback, Spain remains firmly committed to the elimination of measles and affirms that it is working on updating the Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Rubella with the aim of regaining this recognition . Among the Plan’s objectives are strengthening vaccination coverage and the surveillance system, as well as ensuring a coordinated response across all levels of the health administration.

Immunization with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine remains the most effective measure for preventing measles. In 2024, national coverage reached 97.3% for the first dose and 93.8% for the second. Of the 227 confirmed cases, 160 were unvaccinated and 7 had received only one dose. To achieve effective herd immunity, coverage rates above 95% for both doses are needed.