What is the current status of global measles cases according to the WHO?

Global measles cases fell 71% from 2000 to 2024, though recent figures show an 8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.

How many deaths has vaccination prevented globally from measles?

Vaccination efforts have prevented nearly 59 million deaths globally between 2000 and 2024.

Why are measles outbreaks increasing despite vaccination efforts?

Growing outbreaks expose weaknesses in immunization programs and health systems, as even small drops in coverage can trigger resurgence.

Home / Health / Measles Deaths Plummet 88%, But Cases Rise 8%

Measles Deaths Plummet 88%, But Cases Rise 8%

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Global measles cases fell 71% between 2000 and 2024.
Vaccination efforts have prevented nearly 59 million deaths.
Measles cases increased 8% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Measles Deaths Plummet 88%, But Cases Rise 8%

Global measles cases experienced a significant reduction of 71% from 2000 to 2024, a period during which vaccination programs prevented an estimated 59 million deaths. The World Health Organization reported a sharp 88% drop in measles-related fatalities, reaching a near-historic low in 2024.

However, a concerning trend emerged with a year-over-year increase of 8% in estimated cases and an 11% decrease in deaths when compared to 2019 figures. This suggests a redistribution of the disease burden, with a notable shift from low-income to middle-income nations.

The report emphasizes that measles is a sensitive indicator of immunization program strength, with even minor drops in vaccine coverage triggering outbreaks. Growing measles outbreaks worldwide are signaling vulnerabilities in health systems and underscoring the critical need for sustained vaccination efforts.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.