Severe Epidemiological Update: Ongoing Measles Outbreak in the United States and Europe
Measles – one of the most contagious viral diseases – has been spreading at an alarming rate in the United States in recent weeks, with over 1,150 confirmed cases. Most infections have been reported in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and in major airports.
Prof. Cyrille Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Head of the Immunotherapy Lab at Bar-Ilan University, explains:
“About 25 years ago, the U.S. was declared measles-free. The current outbreak is a direct result of a steady decline in vaccination rates.”
According to Prof. Cohen, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has advised increased caution in crowded areas and recommended advancing the measles vaccine to six months of age for children traveling to high-risk regions.
Europe is also seeing a troubling rise in cases – over 5,500 reported since the start of 2025, mostly in unvaccinated children under the age of five. The countries with the highest numbers include Romania (3,500), France (500), the Netherlands (400), and both Spain and Italy (250 each).
Prof. Cohen emphasizes:
“There are entire populations that cannot be vaccinated – including infants and immunocompromised individuals. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure as many people as possible are protected. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and provides 97% protection. This is a crucial public and health priority.”
Last Updated Date : 06/07/2025
