Russia is projected to see an uptick in measles cases in 2024

In Russia, health officials reported a significant decrease in measles cases in late March 2025, marking an almost eight-fold reduction compared to 2024. This decline is attributed to emergency vaccinations in outbreak areas and 'mop-up' immunizations [1]. However, the year before saw a rise in cases of measles, rubella, and whooping cough, primarily due to lower vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy.

In 2024, Russia recorded 22,455 cases of measles, a significant increase from the previous year. The majority of these cases, approximately 67%, were among children under 18, many under one year old, highlighting the vulnerability of infants not yet fully vaccinated. The measles incidence rate in 2024 was 15.35 per 100,000 population, 1.72 times higher than in 2023 [2].

Similarly, the incidence of rubella and whooping cough also increased in 2024. Russia was considered free from endemic rubella since 2017, but in 2024, there was an increase in cases due to the weakening of the immunization system during the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased vaccination coverage. Infectious disease specialist Vladimir Neronov of AO "Meditsina" (Roytberg Clinic) stated that the decrease in whooping cough cases is a positive trend that requires careful interpretation [3].

To combat these outbreaks, Moscow's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing is conducting comprehensive anti-epidemic measures for each registered measles case in 2025. Residents of Moscow received invitations for measles vaccinations in mid-May 2025, and doctors sent SMS or called to warn of a measles case in their building and advise immediate vaccination [1].

Preventive measures being taken in Russia include accelerated and expanded immunization campaigns, prompt immunization for those exposed during outbreaks, and continued "cleansing immunization" efforts to control and prevent further spread [1]. These efforts have been successful, with over 74.3% coverage for the completion of measles vaccination plans in the past six months and approximately 50.4% for revaccination [1].

Despite these efforts, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern. In 2024, 89.5% of those infected with measles in Russia were either not vaccinated or had no vaccination records [2]. Similar trends of declining vaccination rates and consequent outbreaks have been observed across Europe and Central Asia, driven by "vaccine complacency" after the COVID-19 pandemic and general hesitancy among parents [1][2][3].

The rise in cases is not limited to measles. In 2025, there were 32,535 cases of whooping cough registered in Russia, with the incidence rate being 1.6 times lower than in 2023 but 4.5 times higher than the long-term average [4].

In conclusion, the resurgence of measles, rubella, and whooping cough in Russia is a reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The main containment strategy involves large-scale targeted vaccination campaigns and enhanced epidemiological surveillance to mitigate outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations [1][2][3].

References:

[1] Moscow Health Department. (2025). Measles Outbreak in Moscow: Current Situation and Preventive Measures.

[2] Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. (2025). Measles, Rubella, and Whooping Cough in Russia: Epidemiological Surveillance Report.

[3] Neronov, V. (2025). The Impact of Vaccination on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Perspective.

[4] Russian Ministry of Health. (2025). Whooping Cough in Russia: Epidemiological Surveillance Report.

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