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13.07.2026.

21:55

Outbreak sweeps across Europe: Dangerous disease spreading in popular destinations – Here's what to watch for

New data has identified measles hotspots across Europe, with a sharp rise in cases recorded in six countries that are among the continent’s most popular tourist destinations.

Izvor: Blic

Outbreak sweeps across Europe: Dangerous disease spreading in popular destinations – Here's what to watch for
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Measles is a highly contagious disease and is considered one of the most infectious diseases in the world. With the school holidays underway, many families are traveling to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Romania, or Bulgaria. These countries have recorded the highest number of cases so far this year.

Britain is no longer a “measles-free country”

The United Kingdom is also one of the main hotspots and ranks just behind Romania, where 767 cases have been recorded this year, according to The Sun. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that two children have died from measles in England this year, a disease known since the Victorian era, while the number of infections increased by one-fifth in just one week.

At the beginning of this year, Britain lost its status as a country free of measles — along with Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan — as experts warn that the virus now poses a real and growing threat to children. Global health authorities grant “measles-free country” status only to nations where cases are rare, imported from abroad, and quickly brought under control — a criterion that Britain no longer meets.

In England, 754 measles cases were confirmed between January and May 2026, and by June 22 the number had risen to 801, according to UKHSA data.

By comparison, during the same period, Italy recorded 425 cases, while Bulgaria reported 338.

What is measles and what are the symptoms?

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that can cause serious health complications in some people, but it can be prevented through vaccination. The infection usually begins with cold-like symptoms. A few days later, small white spots may appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips, followed by a rash. The rash most commonly starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. It usually does not itch.

 
Outbreak sweeps across Europe: Dangerous disease spreading in popular destinations – Here
Shutterstock/pavodam

The eight symptoms to look out for are:

  • Red, watery, and swollen eyes
  • High fever
  • Cold-like symptoms — runny or blocked nose and sneezing
  • Fatigue
  • Severe, hoarse cough
  • Small grayish-white spots inside the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle aches

 

Complications are rare, but if the infection spreads to the lungs or brain, measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and, in some cases, death.

According to estimates, one in five infected children will require hospitalization, while one in 15 will develop serious complications such as meningitis or sepsis. Last year, 7,655 cases of the disease were recorded in the European Union, eight of which resulted in death.

Sharp rise in infections across Europe

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 28 European countries reported measles cases in May. The number of infections has risen sharply since January, and although May saw a slight decline compared with the previous month, experts continue to urge people to remain cautious.

According to the ECDC, the highest number of cases in May was reported in:

  • Bulgaria (122)
  • Italy (74)
  • France (24)
  • Belgium (17)
  • Poland (8)

 

Current situation in Europe

In Italy, the number of measles cases between January and April increased by nearly 78 percent. Although infections dropped significantly — from 158 cases in April to 74 in May — Italy still recorded the second-highest number of cases in Europe that month, behind Bulgaria.

Bulgaria reported no measles cases in January, but by the end of April the number had risen to 163. The number of infections declined slightly again in May, to 122, but it remained the highest figure recorded in Europe that month.

In Spain, 138 measles cases have been reported since January, according to the ECDC.

In France, 103 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the year.

Romania has reported 85 measles cases so far in 2026.

Germany has recorded 52 cases of infection in 2026 to date.

Vaccination provides 99 percent protection

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide up to 99 percent protection against the disease, which can lead to hearing loss and pregnancy complications. Without vaccination, one person infected with measles can transmit the virus to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby.

According to guidelines, at least 95 percent of the population must be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. As reported by The Sun, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in England has fallen to just 84 percent, the lowest level since 2010.

The ECDC highlighted the importance of families getting vaccinated to protect both adults and children from the disease, especially if they are planning summer travel.

“It is crucial that children receive their first and second vaccine doses on time, in line with national immunization schedules. It is equally important to identify and vaccinate eligible individuals (for example, adolescents and young adults without immunity) through catch-up vaccination programs,” the agency stated.

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