Measles cases are surging, making global elimination a ‘distant goal,’ WHO says

Measles deaths have declined sharply since 2000 but cases are now surging, even in countries where measles has been declared eliminated. Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post/Getty Images

For decades, measles vaccination has been a global success story. Deaths from measles dropped 88% around the world from 2000 to 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization, with an estimated 58 million lives saved in that time.

But now, with vaccine coverage well below the level needed to stop transmission, cases are surging. Fifty-nine countries reported large or disruptive measles outbreaks last year, almost triple the number reported in 2021. A quarter of outbreaks are happening in countries previously declared measles-free, including Canada and the United States .

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