Multiple countries experience measles resurgence, "face-to-face transmission"! "Our country faces significant import risks"

March 19, 2026

Word count: 1,145, estimated reading time: about 2 minutes

Author | First Financial Lin Zhiyan

The resurgence of measles worldwide has attracted attention.

At a press conference held by the National Health Commission on March 18, Yu Wenzhou, director physician of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that currently, the vaccination rate for measles, mumps, and rubella among children of appropriate age in China remains at a high level. We have established a monitoring and reporting system, and in recent years, the reported incidence of measles in China has remained at a low level. However, measles outbreaks or resurgences have occurred in many countries globally. Among the top 10 countries with reported measles cases in 2025, six are neighboring China, posing a significant risk of imported cases. Additionally, some regions in China have experienced localized increases or small-scale clustered outbreaks.

According to the China CDC’s report on national infectious disease outbreaks, in January and February this year, the nationwide measles cases were 138 and 131, respectively.

From overseas data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in just the first eight weeks of this year, the number of cases reached six times the total for previous years. The U.S. is facing another record-high year of measles outbreaks. In 2025, the U.S. reported nearly 2,300 cases of measles, the highest level since 1991.

In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that due to a surge in measles cases across Europe, the UK, Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have re-emerged with measles, losing their status as “measles elimination countries.”

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus, characterized mainly by fever and rash. It spreads primarily through airborne droplets and is easily contracted by children. Literature indicates that this virus is highly contagious—one patient can infect an average of 12 to 18 completely susceptible individuals, significantly higher than influenza or COVID-19. It is regarded as one of the most contagious respiratory diseases, known as “see and meet” transmission. Without vaccination or prior infection, the infection rate upon contact with the virus exceeds 90%.

Measles itself is not deadly, but its complications can be severe. Yu Wenzhou stated that patients may develop pneumonia, laryngitis, otitis media, myocarditis, encephalitis, and other complications, which can be fatal in severe cases.

The reason for the global resurgence of measles is declining vaccination rates, which are the main cause of the outbreak rebound. Some analyses suggest that vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine movements abroad lead parents to refuse vaccination for their children, creating immunity gaps in some children. Additionally, frequent international travel increases the risk of cross-border transmission of measles.

Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most cost-effective way to prevent measles, providing protection against all three diseases simultaneously. In China, the MMR vaccine is included in the immunization program, with two doses administered—one at 8 months and another at 18 months.

Yu Wenzhou emphasized that, given the current international and domestic epidemic situations and the potential risks in some regions, the National Disease Control Bureau and the National Health Commission have called for strengthened routine immunization efforts. They urge areas with weak vaccination coverage to improve vaccine coverage and fill immunization gaps. Parents are also reminded to carefully check their children’s vaccination records for measles, mumps, and rubella. Children who have not been vaccinated or not completed the full course should receive catch-up vaccinations promptly. When traveling abroad or participating in activities, close attention should be paid to the epidemic situation in the destination country, and personal protective measures should be taken overseas. For regions with severe measles outbreaks, it is recommended to verify vaccination records containing measles components before departure, and if necessary, receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at least 21 days before leaving.

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Editor: Jiang Yuhan