Measles epidemic and vaccination fraud in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is experiencing a measles epidemic, with health officials reporting over 500 confirmed cases as of mid-August 2026. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Vratsa, Pleven, and Lovech regions, with new cases accumulating at a rate of approximately 20 per week.

A major driver of the spread is identified as low vaccination rates and widespread fraudulent documentation. Investigations by the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD) found that over 60% of individuals documented as vaccinated but who subsequently fell ill had not actually received the vaccine.

Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev reported that the prosecutor’s office and the State Agency for National Security (DANS) have been notified regarding fraudulent practices, particularly in the Ugarchin and Lukovit municipalities. Since 2022, authorities have fined 12 general practitioners, 17 parents, a director, and two medical staff members for violating the immunization calendar. In some medical practices, the rate of non-responders to vaccines reached 60%, significantly higher than the typical rate of 0.1% to 1%. Officials noted that some practitioners may have been reporting vaccinations that were never administered while still collecting payment.

The Bulgarian Medical Union (BMU) has condemned the reporting of unperformed immunizations, describing it as a “severe breach of professional responsibility and patient trust.” Following reports from the Regional Health Inspection in Lovech regarding three doctors suspected of documenting mandatory measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations without administration, BMU President Dr. Nikolay Branzalov stated the union will not tolerate fictitious immunizations. However, he cautioned against speculation, noting that a lack of antibodies is not absolute legal proof of non-vaccination due to potential immune deficiencies. To address parental refusal, Branzalov proposed a 24-hour electronic portal for immediate reporting of non-compliance to police and health inspectors.