Else Beekman
In Spain, measles cases have risen alarmingly in the first months of 2025. In the first eight weeks of this year, 107 infections have been confirmed, spread across eight outbreaks in different regions. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period in 2024, with only 15 cases.
Spain, which had eliminated measles in 2016, is now the second most affected country in Europe since the beginning of this year. This is according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),
Significant increase in the Basque Country
This surge in measles cases is most pronounced in the Basque Country, where 51 infections have been reported since November, 45 of them in 2025. This outbreak originated from an imported case from Morocco. Among those infected are 21 healthcare workers. In addition, most of the affected individuals were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
Twenty cases in Catalonia
“Since the beginning of this year, twenty cases of measles have been confirmed in Catalonia, spread across four outbreaks,” reports Jacobo Mendioroz, Deputy Director of Epidemiological Surveillance at the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya. The only ongoing outbreak originated within a group of French students who visited Barcelona in March and have since returned to their home city. So far, two infections have been confirmed, both among the students. Authorities are closely monitoring those they came into contact with to prevent further spread.
Andalucia, Aragon, and Castile-La Mancha
Outbreaks have also been recorded in Andalucia, Aragon, and Castile-La Mancha since the start of this year, according to the CCAES, which warns of a gradual increase in cases. During the peak phase of the pandemic, between 2020 and 2022, Spain saw fewer than three measles cases per year. In 2023, this number rose to 14, in 2024 to 229, and in the first nine weeks of 2025, 123 cases have already been reported.
Imported cases and declining vaccination rates
The resurgence of measles in Spain can partly be attributed to imported cases from countries experiencing large outbreaks, particularly Morocco and Romania. According to Jacobo Mendioroz, 34% of this year’s infections in Spain have been linked to imported cases. Additionally, declining vaccination rates are a contributing factor. Although Spain has a vaccination coverage of over 90% for two doses and 95% for one dose, some regions fail to meet this threshold. In the Balearic Islands, for example, the two-dose vaccination rate is only 75.85%, making the population more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Ministry of Health warning
“The likelihood of exposure to the measles virus among Spain’s residents is expected to continue increasing.” Furthermore, “new cases and outbreaks will continue to appear among individuals who lack immunity to the disease,” warns the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) of the Ministry of Health in its latest report on measles, published on March 7.
“Despite the increase in cases, the CCAES states that ‘the risk of infection for the general population in Spain remains low due to the high vaccination coverage in our country.'”
Public health implications
Measles is an extremely contagious disease with a basic reproduction number (R0) between 12 and 18. This means that one infected person can, on average, infect 12 to 18 others. While most people recover, severe complications can occur. These occur particularly in adults, babies under 12 months old, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
The role of vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and curb its spread. The Spanish vaccination schedule includes two doses. The first at 12 months of age and the second between the ages of 3 and 4. Achieving a 95% vaccination rate is crucial to maintaining herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, some regions fall below this level, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks.
Given the current situation, health authorities urge everyone to check their vaccination status and, if necessary, receive any missing doses. This is particularly important for individuals born between the late 1960s and the mid-1980s. They may not have been fully vaccinated