Families preparing for summer trips across Europe are being urged to check their vaccination status as measles infections continue to rise in several popular holiday destinations.

Health authorities across Europe have reported a significant increase in measles activity during 2026, with countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Romania and Bulgaria among those recording the highest numbers of infections. The United Kingdom has also experienced a sharp rise in cases, highlighting that the issue is not limited to continental Europe.

Measles Cases Continue to Rise

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases known. A single infected person can spread the virus to up to nine out of every ten unvaccinated people they come into close contact with.

Romania has reported the highest number of measles cases in Europe this year, while the UK follows closely behind. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), England recorded 754 cases between January and May 2026, with the total increasing to 801 by 22 June.

Italy has reported 425 cases during the same period, while Bulgaria has confirmed 338. Monthly figures from May show Bulgaria registering 122 cases, followed by Italy with 74, France with 24, Belgium with 17, and Poland with eight.

Popular Holiday Destinations Affected

Several destinations frequently chosen by British holidaymakers have seen noticeable increases in measles infections.

Italy experienced an almost 78% rise in reported cases between January and April before numbers eased slightly in May. Bulgaria followed a different pattern, reporting no cases in January before infections climbed rapidly to 163 by April and then declined modestly to 122 in May.

Spain has confirmed 138 cases since the beginning of the year, while France has recorded 103. Germany has also reported dozens of infections, and Romania continues to experience the largest outbreak across Europe.

Although case numbers fell slightly in several countries during May compared with April, public health experts continue to advise travelers to remain cautious.

UK Loses Measles-Free Status

Earlier this year, the UK officially lost its measles-free status after sustained transmission of the virus. A country can only maintain this designation when infections remain rare, are mainly imported from abroad, and any outbreaks are quickly contained.

Health officials say the recent increase in domestic transmission means the UK no longer meets those international criteria.

Vaccination Remains the Best Protection

Medical experts continue to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective defense against measles. Receiving both recommended doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provides up to 99% protection.

However, vaccination rates in England have fallen to around 84%, their lowest level since 2010. Public health authorities recommend that at least 95% of the population should be vaccinated to help prevent widespread outbreaks.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises families to ensure children receive both vaccine doses according to national immunization schedules. It also recommends catch-up vaccinations for adolescents and adults who are not fully protected, particularly before traveling internationally.

Symptoms and Possible Complications

Measles usually begins with symptoms similar to a cold or flu, including a high fever, persistent cough, and runny nose. A distinctive red rash typically develops a few days later as the infection spreads throughout the body.

Although many people recover without complications, measles can become severe. The virus may affect the lungs or brain, leading to serious conditions such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Young children are especially vulnerable, with around one in five requiring hospital treatment. Serious complications, including meningitis and sepsis, can also occur in some cases.

Across the European Union, more than 7,600 measles cases were recorded during 2025, with eight deaths reported. In England, the UKHSA has confirmed that two children have died from measles during 2026.

Advice for Summer Travellers

If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer, checking your vaccination status before departure is strongly recommended. Ensuring that both adults and children are fully vaccinated not only reduces the risk of infection but also helps limit the spread of measles across communities and popular tourist destinations.