Active Public Health Outbreaks: WHO European Region (Nov 2025)
?? High Urgency Threats
- Measles: Historic resurgence; >127,000 cases in 2024-25.
- Mpox (Clade Ib): Local transmission confirmed in MSM networks; imported cases in DE, SE, UK.
- West Nile Virus: Season extended into November; record cases in Southern Europe.
?? Elevated Monitoring
- Pertussis: 10-fold increase over pre-pandemic levels.
- Polio: CDC Level 2 Alert for UK, Spain, Germany (Wastewater detection only).
- Influenza: Season began 4 weeks early; co-circulation with COVID-19/RSV.
1. The Measles Resurgence
Europe is currently facing its most severe measles outbreak since 1997. As of late 2025, the WHO European Region has reported over 127,350 cases for the rolling 12-month period. The surge is driven primarily by immunity gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with vaccination rates in several nations dropping below the 95% herd immunity threshold.
Romania remains the epicenter, accounting for approximately 87% of EU cases in recent reports. However, significant clusters have also been identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Measles Case Distribution (Top Affected Areas)
Data Source: WHO/ECDC Surveillance Reports (2024-2025)
2. Mpox: Clade Ib vs. Clade II
While Clade II mpox has been circulating globally since 2022, late 2024 and 2025 have seen the introduction of the more severe Clade Ib into Europe. Imported cases have been detected in Sweden, Germany, and the UK. Crucially, health authorities have now confirmed limited "local transmission" of Clade Ib within specific sexual networks (MSM) in Europe, marking a shift from purely travel-associated cases.
| Feature | Clade II (2022 Outbreak) | Clade Ib (Current Threat) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Transmission | Sexual contact (MSM dominant) | Sexual + Household/Close Contact |
| Severity | Generally mild; low mortality | Historically higher severity |
| Current Status (EU) | Endemic / Low-level circulation | Emerging; Local transmission confirmed |
| Risk Assessment | Moderate for high-risk groups | High for travelers to Central Africa |
3. Contrasting Viewpoints: The "Alarmist" Debate
The "Normalization" View
Some epidemiologists argue that the surge in Pertussis (Whooping Cough)—which saw a 10-fold increase to ~60,000 cases—is a predictable "normalization" post-pandemic. They contend that immunity waned during lockdowns and current numbers, while high, are a return to cyclical peaks rather than a novel biological threat.
The "Precautionary" View
Conversely, agencies like the CDC have issued Level 2 Travel Alerts for Polio in countries like the UK and Germany. This is highly controversial as these nations have recorded no clinical human cases. The alerts are based solely on wastewater detection. Critics argue this damages tourism and equates developed surveillance systems with active disease outbreaks.
4. Vector-Borne & Respiratory Outlook
West Nile Virus (WNV): The 2024-2025 season has been exceptionally long due to warmer autumns. Italy reported over 450 locally acquired cases, with significant outbreaks also in Greece and Spain.
Respiratory Season: The 2025 influenza season began 4 weeks earlier than the historical average. The "tripledemic" threat of Flu, COVID-19, and RSV remains a central concern for healthcare capacity, particularly regarding pediatric hospitalizations.
Traveler Advisory: The CDC currently recommends enhanced precautions (Level 2) for travelers to several European destinations due to Polio (environmental) and Chikungunya (localized outbreaks in France/Italy). Travelers are urged to verify vaccination status for Measles and Polio before departure.