The latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveal a concerning uptick in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis across Europe, following decreased levels throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period. The findings were released as part of the 2024 European Immunization Week, taking place April 21-27, and emphasize a critical need for heightened vaccination campaigns to protect public health.
Surge in Measles and Pertussis Cases
After a period of low activity between 2020 and 2022, the number of measles cases began increasing in 2023, persisting across several EU member states. From March 2023 to February 2024, more than 5770 measles cases were reported, with at least five deaths.
Infants younger than 1 year face the highest risk owing to their inability to receive vaccinations, relying on immunity in the community for protection. Measles, known for its high transmissibility, necessitates that at least 95% of a population receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine to halt transmission.
A surge in pertussis cases also emerged in mid-2023 across various EU/EEA countries, with preliminary data indicating a more than 10-fold increase compared with 2022 and 2021. Newborns and infants, who are vulnerable owing to incomplete vaccination, face heightened risks for severe illness and mortality. Timely administration of all recommended pertussis-containing vaccines is imperative to safeguard this group, with vaccination during pregnancy offering additional protection for young infants.
"The measles and pertussis outbreaks are just two examples [showing] that, despite the dramatic decrease in cases and mortality over the past decades, different vaccine-preventable diseases continue to circulate and still inflict suffering in those unprotected or vulnerable," cautioned Andrea Ammon, director of the ECDC, during a press conference.
Trends in Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Mumps: Although considered minor, the uptick in mumps cases warrants attention. In 2022, 27 EU/EEA countries collectively reported 2593 cases of mumps, marking an increase in the overall notification rate from 0.4 to 0.7 case per 100,000 population compared with 2021.
Diphtheria: This disease remains rare in EU/EEA countries, yet 2022 saw a concerning rise with 359 reported cases, which were predominantly cutaneous diphtheria. Notably, more than 60% of diphtheria cases occurred in a country different from the one in which they were notified, indicating potential challenges in surveillance and response.
Invasive meningococcal disease: In 2022, a surge in invasive meningococcal disease was recorded across all EU/EEA countries, totaling 1149 confirmed cases and resulting in 110 deaths. This marks a stark increase from 2021, in which 612 cases and 48 deaths were reported.
Ensuring Comprehensive Vaccination Coverage
As outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases persist across EU/EEA countries, concerted efforts are imperative to pinpoint immunity gaps within the population, particularly among individuals who may have missed or postponed their vaccinations. Action is required to ensure equitable access to vaccinations, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized groups such as refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers.
The ECDC reaffirmed its commitment to bolster national vaccination programs and to uphold vaccine quality, safety, and efficacy, while striving for universal and equitable access for all.
Ammon emphasized that EIW, which takes place across Europe every year in the final week of April, serves as an opportunity to reflect on the monumental impact vaccines have had and continue to have on people worldwide and their role in overall health and well-being across all age groups. The European Region of the World Health Organization has designated "Protecting Generations" as the theme of EIW 2024, commemorating 50 years of the Essential Programme on Immunization.
"Achieving and maintaining high vaccination uptake, disease surveillance, and prompt response actions to control outbreaks remain the key actions against these diseases. Vaccines have protected many generations, and we should ensure that this continues to be the case," Ammon said.