UK loses measles elimination status as cases rise.

Endemic measles was verified as eliminated in Australia in 2014. We describe Australian measles epidemiology, 2014-2024. National measles notification data were analysed by age; sex; state/territory of residence; genotype; place of acquisition (overseas/Australia); vaccination status (number of doses); and outbreak reference ID (for clusters). Between 2014 and 2024, there were 1,095 measles notifications (average annual notification rate 0.4 per 100,000 population per year). The highest annual notification rates were recorded in 2014 (1.4 per 100,000 per year) and 2019 (1.1 per 100,000 per year), when rates in the Northern Territory were 21.4 and 12.6 per 100,000 population per year, respectively. Although notification rates were highest among infants < 1 year of age (average 3.8 notifications per 100,000 population per year), people aged 20-49 accounted for 57.2% of total notifications (n = 626). Of cases with a known immunisation status (n = 766), there were 513 cases (66.9%) who reported being unvaccinated; 20.1% (n = 154) reported having received one dose of MMR vaccine prior to infection; and 12.1% (n = 93) reported two or more doses. For notifications where country of acquisition was available (n =1,077), just over half of cases (55.1%) were acquired in Australia. Where measles was acquired overseas (n = 493), the most common countries of acquisition were Indonesia (n = 99; 20.1%), the Philippines (n = 82; 16.6%) and India (n = 52; 10.5%). There were 47 clusters during the reporting period, of which the largest involved 74 linked cases in 2019. Of recorded clusters, 44 (93.6%) had a source country outside of Australia. Notifications tended to peak each year in the months coinciding with the end of Australian school holiday periods. Australia has sustained measles elimination since 2014; this review of measles epidemiology, demonstrating a predominance of unvaccinated returning international travellers 20-49 years of age, provides strong motivation for maintaining high routine two-dose coverage and promoting measles vaccination to adults travelling internationally.

Strengthening measles immunity in Thailand: Rationale for a third vaccine dose to avert outbreaks.

This study, conducted in accordance with the DRC's measles elimination plan, following the follow-up vaccination campaign for children aged 6 to 59 months against measles, aimed to assess vaccination coverage and identify factors contributing to its improvement. Implemented from 2023 to 2024 in all 26 provinces, using the WHO's 2018 multi-stage cluster sampling method, it covered 9,627 of these children during the campaign, selected by multi-stage random sampling, from the health zone down to the household level. Bivariate and then multivariate analysis of household data on children's characteristics and vaccination status, as well as comparisons of vaccination coverage before and after the campaign (at a significance level of p=5%), established that 90.92% of children were vaccinated during the campaign, according to map and history data. 12.88% were registered according to the map, and 10.49% had a correctly completed card. The campaign's coverage target was met in 14 provinces. Vaccination coverage, higher in rural than urban areas, increased with the children's age, was higher among boys than girls, and higher among children cared for by their mothers than by their fathers. These results, which highlight the campaign's contribution to children's vaccination status, indicate the need to adapt vaccination strategies based on disparities related to children's characteristics, including their place of residence.

Measles remains a persistent public health concern in Malaysia. Despite sustained high vaccination coverage in states such as Selangor, reported cases continue to increase. This trend suggests a possible shifting age-distribution of measles, a pattern that has been observed in countries with a high vaccination rate. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of measles between adults and children is critical in guiding targeted public health interventions aimed at control and elimination of measles. This study aimed to describe the incidence of measles in adults and children in Selangor, and to compare their sociodemographic, clinical, vaccine, and exposure-related differences. This comparative cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Selangor e-Measles Registry from 2015 to 2024. Confirmed cases were classified as adults (≥18 years) and children (<18 years). The incidence of each group was calculated annually over ten years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to describe and compare the differences between the two groups. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. A total of 3954 confirmed measles cases were included in the study, with 540 (13.7%) adult cases and 3414 (86.3%) cases in children. Between 2015 and 2024, the incidence of measles was consistently higher in children as compared to adults, with risk ratios ranging from 14.43 (95% CI: 11.25, 18.73) in 2017 to 87.65 (95% CI: 27.39, 278.66) in 2022. With the exception of 2019-2022, adults showed a gradual increase in number over the study period, with the highest proportion in 2023 (16.4%). Significant differences between adults and children were observed (p<0.05) according to nationality, ethnicity, clinical symptoms, hospitalisation, complications, vaccination status, and duration since the last vaccination. The findings suggest that despite the increase in adult cases, measles predominantly affects children in Selangor. The findings highlight the need to strengthen vaccination efforts through the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) and prioritising Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) among children aged below 6 years old. Additionally, the gradual rise in cases in adults and children aged 7-12 years old should be monitored closely to detect emerging epidemiological shifts. Significant clinical differences between adults and children highlight the need for training of healthcare providers and public education to support diagnosis, prevent outbreaks, and avoid complications. Digitalisation of health records, such as the documentation of vaccination history, is needed. Measles in Selangor showed age-specific trends and differences. Addressing these issues through strengthened childhood immunisation, targeted interventions and continuous surveillance is essential to achieve measles control and elimination in Selangor and Malaysia.

Rapid detection of measles virus RNA from clinical specimens by using RT-LAMP coupled with CRISPR/Cas12b via fluorescence and lateral flow biosensor readouts: A proof-of-concept study.

Coverage, effectiveness, and sero-positivity of measles-containing vaccines in low- and lower middle-income countries: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Nepal committed to eliminate measles-rubella by 2023 by implementing the ‘Strategic plan for measles and rubella elimination in WHO South-East Region:2020–2024’. Following the impact of the pandemic on the national immunization program and services, Nepal has now revised its target to achieve elimination by 2026. High vaccine coverage and effective surveillance systems are indispensable to achieve measles elimination. This study aimed to assess the status of measles-rubella surveillance and understand the facilitators and barriers for the measles-rubella surveillance activities in selected municipalities of selected districts of Bagmati province of Nepal. A convergent parallel mixed method study was conducted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It was done in eight municipalities of the three districts which were purposively selected. Eight municipalities, including both rural and urban areas, were selected from the three districts. The health facilities included in the study were: a) All the health facilities that are part of the WHO reporting unit (RU) for Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) surveillance b) purposively selected health facilities outside the WHO RU. A total of 14 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with district and municipal stakeholders. For in-depth interviews (IDIs), two World Health Organization-Surveillance Medical Officers (WHO-SMOs) overseeing VPD surveillance and immunization activities in these districts, along with a VPD surveillance focal person from each selected reporting and non-reporting health facility, were purposively selected. The key strategies to achieve measles elimination, that is the MR2 coverage of 95%, was not achieved in most of the municipalities. The main barriers to effective VPD surveillance among others included limited awareness of VPDs under surveillance, poor understanding of the measles elimination target, and lack of clarity on standard case definitions (SCDs) for suspected measles-rubella cases. The major facilitators for effective VPD surveillance included awareness on the importance of VPD surveillance in measles elimination, availability of standard case definition posted in all reporting health facilities, and timely case notification and investigation by RUs. This study suggests that measles-rubella surveillance in the study sites can be strengthened through capacity building of health workers in VPD surveillance, ensuring the availability of the VPD surveillance field guide, availability of the dedicated focal person, emphasizing in data analysis and utilization of surveillance data.

Introduction: Despite efforts towards measles elimination, Namibia continues to report outbreaks and cases of measles. The World Health Organization estimates that 9.6 million measles cases and 128,000 deaths were reported worldwide in 2019, 50% of which occurred in Africa alone. Namibia reported 75 cases and 0 deaths in the past five years from 2020 to 2024. We described the epidemiology of measles infection in Namibia from 2020 to 2024. Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis of measles infections reported in the national measles line list between January 2020 and April 2024 was conducted. We calculated frequencies, incidence rates, proportions, and time series to identify trends and seasonality. Data were cleaned in Microsoft Excel and analysed in SPSS version 25 and Datawrapper. The data were visualised using tables, graphs, and maps. Results: A total of 75 cases recorded in the national measles line list between January 2020 and April 2024 were analysed in this study. The median age was 5 (Interquartile range: 2.5 – 9) years. Half of the cases (50.1%) were aged 0-4 years old. There was a steady increase in measles incidence in Namibia, with a rate of 0.73 per 100,000 in 2024 (0.73/100,000). A seasonal trend was observed, with most cases occurring between April and May of each year. Among the cases, 44% were vaccinated, 40% had unknown vaccination status, and 16% were unvaccinated. The highest incidence rates were reported in the Erongo region in 2024 (6.24/100,000), followed by those in the northern regions. Conclusion: The burden of measles infections was observed among children aged 0-4 years, and during the winter season. With a steady increase in the number of cases in the country, measures for successful elimination need to be strengthened to prevent outbreaks and ensure that Namibia remains on track with its elimination targets.

Key points In November 2025, Canada lost its measles elimination status, which it had held since 1998.[1][1] From October 2024 to November 2025, more than 5000 measles cases associated with a large multijurisdictional outbreak were reported in 10 provinces and territories, after the introduction of

Eradication of the measles virus is a major requirement to promote global health. Great progress has been made in reducing the incidence of measles through vaccination efforts. In our study, we aimed to determine the levels of immunity against measles in our region and to examine the relationship between age groups and gender. The results of patients admitted to our hospital, a tertiary care hospital located in the Central Black Sea Region in the north of Türkiye, between May 2021 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Serum samples were tested for measles-specific IgG and IgM antibodies using the LIAISON® Measles IgG and IgM (DiaSorin, Italy) chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). A total of 5252 individuals aged ≥ 4 years were included in the study, of whom 3423 (65.2%) were female and 1829 (34.8%) were male. Overall, 70.7% of participants were seropositive for measles IgG antibodies. Measles IgG seropositivity was found in 69.5% of women and 73.0% of men; the difference between genders was statistically significant (p = 0.007). Seropositivity rates increased significantly with advancing age, ranging from 60.8% in individuals aged 4–30 years to 97.5% in those aged ≥ 41 years (p < 0.05). Identifying non-immune individuals remains an important component of measles elimination strategies. In this study, individuals aged 4–30 years exhibited lower measles IgG seropositivity compared with older age groups, suggesting a potential immunity gap in this population. Higher immunity levels observed in older age groups were consistent with differences in birth cohorts and historical measles vaccination policies. Future research evaluating the durability of vaccine-induced immunity and the potential role of additional immunization strategies may help inform evidence-based vaccination policies.

Background Measles constitutes a substantial public health concern in Iraq. Despite concerted efforts to achieve elimination in accordance with World Health Organization targets, comprehensive understanding of its epidemiological patterns and vaccine effectiveness remains critically important. Objectives This investigation aimed to: (1) assess the relationship between age and clinical manifestations among measles patients; (2) evaluate Iraq’s progress toward measles elimination objectives; and (3) identify immunization coverage gaps. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 200 laboratory-confirmed measles cases (serological or molecular confirmation) from Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq, during January 2023 to March 2024. Vaccination status was verified through official refrigerator immunization cards. Statistical analyses employed chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding variables. Results Among 200 confirmed measles cases, 32% were infants aged &lt;12 months and 68% were children aged 1-9 years. Notably, 71% represented breakthrough infections among individuals who had received at least one vaccine dose. Severe complications included pneumonia (77%), diarrhea (73%), otitis media (45%), and encephalitis (23%). Unvaccinated children demonstrated 3.2-fold increased odds of developing pneumonia. Disease burden was disproportionately higher in rural populations (58%). Mean C-reactive protein concentration was 56.8 mg/dL. Conclusion Measles persists with substantial morbidity in Iraq. The breakthrough infection rate (71%) significantly exceeds World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office reports (45-50%), suggesting unique regional challenges. Achieving elimination necessitates urgent evaluation of vaccination programs, strengthening of routine immunization services, and enhancement of surveillance systems. Future investigations should assess post-vaccination seroconversion rates and conduct molecular genotyping studies.

UK loses its measles elimination status.

Background/Objectives: Despite large-scale measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaigns in West Africa, measles outbreaks persist, raising concerns about campaign effectiveness, coverage, and underlying determinants. This study assesses the impact of MR follow-up campaigns in 12 of 17 West African countries (2024–2025) and examines the factors contributing to post-campaign outbreaks. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of MR campaigns on measles transmission, identify the characteristics of post-campaign outbreaks, and propose strategies to improve campaign effectiveness and accelerate progress toward measles elimination in West Africa. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and ecological analytical study to examine spatial and temporal variations based on measles surveillance data from 2024 to 2025, post-campaign coverage surveys (PCCS), district-level outbreak reports, and administrative coverage reports. Trends in measles cases before and after the MMR campaigns were assessed, along with demographic characteristics and spatial analyses of confirmed cases. Results: In 2024, 70.5% (12/17) of countries conducted measles vaccination campaigns, but measles outbreaks increased in 2025 (64 districts in 2024 versus 383 in 2025). Children under five remained the most affected (54%), with 85% of cases being either unvaccinated (57%) or of unknown status (28%). Administrative coverage exceeded 95% in most countries, but measles PCCS revealed gaps, with only Senegal (93%) and Guinea-Bissau (94%) achieving high verified coverage. No country achieved 95% national MPCC. Conclusions: Suboptimal campaign quality, gaps in immunity beyond target age groups, and unreliable administrative data contributed to the persistence of outbreaks. Recommendations include extending Measles vaccination campaigns to older children (5–14 years), improving preparedness by drawing on experiences from other programs such as polio, standardizing PCCS data survey and analysis methodologies across all countries, and integrating Measles vaccination campaigns with other services such as nutrition.

Measles remains a persistent public health concern in Malaysia. Despite sustained high vaccination coverage in states such as Selangor, reported cases continue to increase. This trend suggests a possible shifting age-distribution of measles, a pattern that has been observed in countries with a high vaccination rate. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of measles between adults and children is critical in guiding targeted public health interventions aimed at control and elimination of measles. This study aimed to describe the incidence of measles in adults and children in Selangor, and to compare their sociodemographic, clinical, vaccine, and exposure-related differences. This comparative cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Selangor e-Measles Registry from 2015 to 2024. Confirmed cases were classified as adults (≥18 years) and children (<18 years). The incidence of each group was calculated annually over ten years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to describe and compare the differences between the two groups. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. A total of 3954 confirmed measles cases were included in the study, with 540 (13.7%) adult cases and 3414 (86.3%) cases in children. Between 2015 and 2024, the incidence of measles was consistently higher in children as compared to adults, with risk ratios ranging from 14.43 (95% CI: 11.25, 18.73) in 2017 to 87.65 (95% CI: 27.39, 278.66) in 2022. With the exception of 2019-2022, adults showed a gradual increase in number over the study period, with the highest proportion in 2023 (16.4%). Significant differences between adults and children were observed (p<0.05) according to nationality, ethnicity, clinical symptoms, hospitalisation, complications, vaccination status, and duration since the last vaccination. The findings suggest that despite the increase in adult cases, measles predominantly affects children in Selangor. The findings highlight the need to strengthen vaccination efforts through the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) and prioritising Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) among children aged below 6 years old. Additionally, the gradual rise in cases in adults and children aged 7-12 years old should be monitored closely to detect emerging epidemiological shifts. Significant clinical differences between adults and children highlight the need for training of healthcare providers and public education to support diagnosis, prevent outbreaks, and avoid complications. Digitalisation of health records, such as the documentation of vaccination history, is needed. Measles in Selangor showed age-specific trends and differences. Addressing these issues through strengthened childhood immunisation, targeted interventions and continuous surveillance is essential to achieve measles control and elimination in Selangor and Malaysia.

Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, measles remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, with recurrent outbreaks and substantial spatial heterogeneity. Understanding its spatio-temporal patterns and determinants is critical for optimizing control strategies and achieving elimination goals. A retrospective spatio-temporal analysis was conducted using national measles surveillance data from 2018-2024, aggregated at the zonal level. Geographic clustering was assessed using Moran's I, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) statistics. A negative binomial regression model incorporating spatial and temporal effects was fitted to identify determinants of measles distribution, integrating epidemiological, environmental, nutritional, and socioeconomic variables. Between 2018 and 2024, 71,635 measles cases were reported, with the highest burdens observed in Oromia, Somali, Southern Ethiopia, and parts of Amhara. Significant spatial clustering was detected (Moran's I = 0.154, p = 0.003), with persistent hotspots in southern and southwestern zones. The model showed that higher night-light intensity (IRR = 2.21, p < 0.001) and temporal (IRR = 1.24, p = 0.028) and spatial lag effects (IRR = 1.73, p < 0.001) were strongly associated with increased measles incidence. Higher temperature (IRR = 0.78, p = 0.005) and relative wealth index (IRR = 0.40, p < 0.001) were inversely associated, while underweight prevalence and distance to health facilities were not significant predictors of measles distribution. Measles transmission in Ethiopia exhibits clear spatial clustering and temporal persistence, strongly influenced by socioeconomic inequities, human concentration, and climatic conditions. Incorporating spatio-temporal modeling into routine surveillance can enhance early detection and guide geographically targeted immunization, nutrition, and equity-focused interventions toward measles elimination.

Measles remains a highly contagious viral disease and continues to represent a public health challenge in Mexico despite the interruption of endemic transmission in 2002. Imported cases, declining vaccination coverage, and misinformation have contributed to recurrent outbreaks between 2022 and 2024. This article analyzes the epidemiological surveillance system implemented in Mexico, particularly the role of the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE), and examines prevention and rapid response strategies at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. Furthermore, a comprehensive rehabilitative approach is proposed, integrating multidisciplinary management to address neurological, respiratory, auditory, and psychosocial sequelae. Strengthening vaccination coverage, inter-institutional coordination, community education, and health infrastructure are identified as essential pillars for measles elimination and reduction of morbidity and mortality.

This study develops a compartmental model to analyze measles transmission among individuals with incomplete vaccination and those unvaccinated. Numerical simulation results indicate that strengthening first- and second-dose vaccination coverage and limiting contact with infectious individuals support long-term measles elimination in Indonesia.

Despite an effective vaccine, the goal of measles elimination has remained elusive so far. Our study found that almost one-third of children with measles were less than 9 months of age, which suggests the need for strengthening routine immunisation along with adolescent vaccination.

Measles & Rubella (MR) zero-dose children (unvaccinated for measles-rubella) cluster in underserved communities can sustain measles transmission. We estimated MR zero-dose prevalence after Zambia's 2024 MR Supplementary Immunisation Activity (SIA) and identified associated risk factors and barriers. A coverage survey (two-stage stratified cluster design) across all 10 provinces, was conducted from 27th December 2024-16th January 2025, involved interviewing caregivers of children aged 9-59 months; vaccination status was verified by card (11.7%) or recall (88.3%). Data were analysed using survey-weighted methods and logistic regression, adjusting for stratification, clustering, and sampling weights. Among 8,634 children, MR zero-dose prevalence was 11.97% (95% CI: 11.03-12.91), highest in Central (19.15%) and Western (17.71%), lowest in Copperbelt (6.69%). Urban residence reduced odds by 24% vs. rural (aOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.92). Risks rose with age (>36 months: aOR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.27-2.00), maternal absence (aOR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.33-2.27), or death (aOR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.23-4.68). Most zero-dose children (88.75%) lacked other vaccines, indicating systemic gaps. Key barriers included unawareness (42.58%) and travel time (>2 hours: aOR 3.20, 95% CI: 1.43-7.16). Nearly one in eight Zambian children remained MR zero-dose post-2024 SIA, concentrated in rural, high-prevalence areas, older children, and motherless households. Priorities include health worker-led awareness campaigns, mobile services to cut travel time, and integrated SIA-Routine Immunisation (RI) strategies (microplanning, tracing, catch-up) to address systemic gaps, supporting global measles elimination under Immunisation Agenda 2030.