Spain’s health ministry has sounded the alarm following a ‘significant’ increase in measles cases over the past year.
It comes after the latest report on the disease by the Centre for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES).
So far in 2025, Spain has confirmed 229 cases of measles, of which 78 correspond to people who contracted the disease outside the country (almost 78% of these originate from Morocco, where the virus is highly prevalent).
A further 78 cases are linked to these imported infections, and the remaining 73 are of an unknown origin, as the transmission process has not been determined.
According to the CCAES, seven outbreaks are currently active in four autonomous communities.
The Ministry of Health said the figures show a ‘significant increase’ in new measles cases since the resumption of international travel following the pandemic.
It added that the risk of infection for the general population remains low thanks to Spain’s high vaccination rate: 97.8% of the population has received at least one dose and 94.2% has received two.
However, health Minister Monica Garcia said: ‘We must not relax; measles is not a disease of the past… measles can be very serious, and the only way we can protect ourselves is with two doses of the vaccine.’
Garcia said that vaccination ‘not only protects individuals but also protects others: the most vulnerable, such as infants and immunosuppressed people.’
All residents in Spain are being urged to check their vaccination status for measles.
The number of cases in Spain began creeping back up at the end of 2022. In 2024, the EU and European Economic Area recorded more than 16,500 infections.
Romania led the way last year, accounting for 72% of all cases, making it the most affected country on the continent.
Outside Europe, Morocco is also experiencing a worrying situation, with more than 25,000 suspected cases and 184 deaths reported since October 2023, according to the World Health Organisation.
Spain’s Ministry of Health said in a statement: ‘The Spanish population born before 1978 is considered protected because they have had the disease, but the rest should verify their vaccination and follow the instructions of their healthcare professional.’
It has also called for renewed training of medical personnel to help spot the disease in patients earlier.
Malaga is the most affected province in Spain
A total of four measles outbreaks remain active in the province of Malaga, equalling a total of 45 confirmed cases.
The most affected part of the province is along the Costa del Sol, followed by Malaga city.
This is according to regional health minister Rocio Hernandez, who revealed the data during a press conference at Malaga TechPark on Tuesday.
Hernandez said that across Andalucia, the age for administering the second dose of the measles vaccine in children has been brought forward from three years to 15 months.
Vaccination is also being offered to the adult population.
