Increase in Measles Cases Expected in Russia by 2024

Russia Experiences Measles Outbreak and Decline, While Rubella Cases Remain Persistent

Russia experienced a significant increase in measles cases in 2024, with 22,455 reported, marking a 30-year record and a 67% impact on children under 18, particularly infants under one year old[1]. The outbreak, which was 11 times higher than the annual average since 2012, was primarily due to lower vaccination coverage, gaps in immunization, and concentrated outbreaks in regions like Moscow and the Republic of Dagestan[1].

While the majority of measles cases in 2024 were among children under 18, with 89.5% of those infected either not vaccinated or having no vaccination records, four fatal cases were reported among unvaccinated children[1]. The measles incidence rate in 2024 was 15.35 per 100,000 population, which is 1.72 times higher than the rate in 2023 (8.92 per 100,000)[1].

On the other hand, rubella cases in 2024 were mainly among adults, accounting for 66.7% of all cases[1]. Despite Russia being free from endemic rubella since 2017, 90.7% of those infected with rubella in 2024 were either not vaccinated or had no vaccination records[1].

In response to the measles outbreak, aggressive anti-epidemic actions and mass immunization campaigns were implemented. Over 74% of the population completed initial vaccination and 50% completed revaccination within six months in 2024[1]. By mid-2025, ongoing vaccination efforts including "cleansing" immunizations of unvaccinated residents and migrants had achieved about 72% of planned coverage, effectively stabilizing the epidemic[1].

The incidence rate of whooping cough in 2025 is 1.6 times lower than the level in 2023 but 4.5 times higher than the average long-term level[1]. Vladimir Neronov, an infection specialist at AO "Meditsina" (Roytberg Clinic), attributes the previous years' surge in whooping cough cases to vaccination issues such as Russians refusing to vaccinate their children, temporary medical exemptions, and the use of weakened vaccine formulas that do not provide full protection[2].

In an effort to control the spread of measles, doctors in Moscow started sending SMS or calling to warn of a measles case in their building and advise immediate vaccination[1]. Rospotrebnadzor, Russia's consumer protection watchdog, reported a significant decrease in measles cases in Russia compared to 2024, almost eightfold[1]. The decrease was attributed to emergency vaccination in emerging infection hotspots and so-called 'catch-up' immunization, where unvaccinated adults were vaccinated[1].

Despite the decline in measles cases, rubella cases remain a concern, particularly among adults who are not vaccinated or have no vaccination records. Continued surveillance, vaccination, and public health measures remain essential to prevent large-scale outbreaks and reduce measles morbidity and mortality in Russia.

[1] Rospotrebnadzor [2] The Moscow Times [3] World Health Organization

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