Resurgence of Measles Cases in France: Health Authorities Call for Increased Vigilance

Measles, a highly contagious disease, has seen a concerning resurgence in France since the beginning of 2025. The number of reported cases has surpassed one hundred, with regions like Hauts-de-France particularly affected, where 46 cases have been confirmed between January 1st and March 3rd. This resurgence is raising significant concerns among health authorities, who fear a wider spread in the coming weeks.

The Directorate General of Health (DGS) has issued a call for increased vigilance, particularly due to the highly contagious nature of measles. The disease can spread rapidly, with one infected person potentially contaminating up to 15 to 20 non-immunized individuals. Authorities have also observed a significant risk of imported cases, primarily from Morocco, which is experiencing a historic epidemic. Since January, 13 cases have been reported after travel to Morocco, with several individuals requiring hospitalization.

A Concerning Situation with Active Virus Circulation

The virus is actively circulating in several regions of mainland France. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, cases have been detected in daycares, families, and holiday centers. The situation is similar in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, with confirmed cases in a high school and among a healthcare professional in a pediatric unit. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to track at-risk areas.

In addition to imported cases, authorities attribute this resurgence to seasonal factors. Measles cases typically increase from late winter, with a peak usually occurring in spring. However, this year’s situation seems more concerning, particularly due to the numerous cases from countries where measles is prevalent, such as Morocco and Romania.

Vaccination: The Best Protection Against Measles

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect the population against measles. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), mandatory in France since 2018, provides long-term immunity after two doses. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that a vaccination coverage rate of 95% is needed to eliminate the disease. This vaccination coverage must include all age groups, including healthcare professionals and those in contact with children, to limit the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable.

Health professionals are therefore urged to check their patients’ vaccination status, particularly in regions where the virus is circulating actively. They are also required to report any suspected measles cases to the authorities, as the disease is one of the infections that must be reported. In the event of contact with an infected individual, early vaccination within 72 hours can prevent the onset of the disease.

Preventing the Spread: Isolation and Appropriate Measures

Measles can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Patients should be isolated as soon as the first symptoms appear and remain so until five days after the rash begins. High-risk individuals, such as infants over six months old, should receive a vaccination within three days of contact with a confirmed case to prevent the onset of the disease.

Health authorities stress the importance of vaccination for travelers heading to high-risk areas, as well as for those who have not been vaccinated or were born before 1980. A collective effort is necessary to stop the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable.