• Within the first three months of this year, 56,634 measles cases and four deaths were reported across 45 out of 53 countries in the WHO European Region.

• It will match or exceed this year when compared to last year's count of 300,000 cases.

• Half of the reported cases in 2023 were under five years old and missed routine vaccinations due to COVID-19.

• Viruses are imported between countries and continents, and there are regular outbreaks of the disease wherever the virus finds pockets of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated people.

• The WHO advises the following:

1. Countries without an outbreak should be proactive in planning and preparing.

2. Those countries currently experiencing an outbreak should intensify case finding and contract tracing.

3. Sensitive people should be vaccinated to ensure that affected communities are protected.

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