Global measles resurgence and vaccination gaps

Health experts are warning of a significant global resurgence of measles, with projections suggesting approximately 11 million people may contract the disease in 2026. This surge is attributed to declining and uneven vaccination coverage across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, exacerbated by disruptions to routine immunization programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Australia, research indicates that approximately 1.7 million people were susceptible to measles as of 2019, with national immunity levels sitting at the bottom of the World Health Organization’s recommended range. Vulnerability is particularly high among infants, young children, and adults aged 15–35. Australian measles notifications have trended upward, rising from single digits in 2022 to 181 cases in 2025, with 113 cases recorded in early 2026.

Globally, while outbreaks are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, the virus has re-emerged in nations with advanced healthcare systems. The World Health Organization emphasizes that a vaccination coverage rate above 95 percent is required to prevent sustained transmission, yet significant gaps in routine vaccination persist despite large-scale immunization initiatives.