Data
The measles surveillance system established by Santé publique France enables the study of epidemiological trends for this vaccine-preventable disease and virological monitoring. The epidemiological situation regarding measles in France is the subject of regular epidemiological updates, issued weekly during an epidemic.
Trends in Measles in France
Between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2023, more than 30,000 cases of measles were reported in France, including nearly 15,000 in 2011 alone, and 26 deaths occurred during the 2008–2019 period. Following a major outbreak in 2010–2011 and a decline in 2012, case numbers remained stable between 2013 and 2016, with a significant outbreak in Alsace in 2015. In 2017, the circulation of the virus increased, particularly in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Grand-Est, and Occitanie, with a resurgence in 2018 and 2019 leading to nearly 5,500 cases.
In 2020, there was a major shift in the epidemiology of measles linked to a drastic drop in cases starting in April 2020: 230 cases were reported in the first quarter out of a total of 240 cases for the year. This decline continued in 2021 and 2022, with 16 and 15 cases, respectively, and through August 2023 (28 cases out of the 117 reported in 2023). This near absence of measles between April 2020 and August 2023 is likely due to anti-COVID-19 measures (lockdowns, preventive measures, mask-wearing, social distancing) as well as an improvement in two-dose MMR vaccination coverage among infants born since 2018 who are subject to mandatory vaccination, thereby increasing herd immunity. However, this situation is fragile.
A resurgence of measles cases in France observed in 2023, accelerating in 2024 and intensifying in 2025
In 2023, data from mandatory reporting (MR) indicated, starting in September, a resurgence of measles cases in France, primarily linked to imported cases (84%), reflecting the resumption of international circulation of the measles virus.
The largest cluster of measles cases was observed in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (64 cases between August and November 2023) and primarily involved middle school students who had been properly vaccinated but at an early age.
This resurgence continued and intensified in 2024, with the total number of cases and the national incidence rate quadrupling compared to 2023 (N=483 in 2024 versus 117 in 2023; 0.58 cases per 100,000 versus 0.13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) as well as a tenfold increase in the number of clustered cases compared to 2023 (N=68 in 2024 versus 7 in 2023).
Of the 68 cluster cases identified in total in 2024, six major outbreaks (involving more than 5 cases) were observed. These involved schools, family circles, and specific populations (Roma camps), but most notably several daycare centers, particularly affecting infants under one year of age who are at high risk of severe forms of the disease, including long-term complications. The largest cluster of cases was reported in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (53 cases between January and April 2024).
The resurgence of reported cases in 2024 and the number of detected outbreaks reflect: on the one hand, the international epidemiological situation marked by a resurgence of measles epidemics since 2022 and particularly in 2023 due to several years of declining vaccination coverage abroad, and on the other hand, the existence of pockets of individuals still susceptible to the virus within the French population, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Distribution of the number of reported measles cases by month, France as a whole, January 1, 2008 – August 31, 2025*
In 2025, during the first five months of the year, the spread of the virus intensified, with the number of cases (658) significantly higher than that observed for the entire year of 2024 (483), as well as a large number of outbreaks (86) compared to 2024 (68). The resurgence in cases observed since January has been on the decline since May (see monthly bulletins).
In 2025, two deaths among immunocompromised individuals were reported through mandatory reporting, which had not occurred in France since 2019. These cases underscore the need to protect individuals at risk of severe disease who cannot receive the vaccine through their social circles by achieving optimal herd immunity, as well as the need to implement post-exposure prophylaxis in the event of contact with a confirmed case.
It is therefore essential to strengthen epidemiological surveillance of measles in order to better understand the circulation of the virus within France and to better identify pockets of the population that remain susceptible to the virus, particularly among adolescents and young adults as well as among travelers returning from endemic areas.
Bulletins to download:
Measles Epidemiological Bulletins from 2008 to 2025
Measles Vaccination Coverage in France
Regardless of age, there has been an increase in “two-dose” measles vaccination coverage in France. However, this coverage remains below the 95% threshold required for the elimination of measles.
Measles, rubella, and mumps vaccination coverage data by age group
Subnational vaccination coverage data for measles, rubella, and mumps by region
Subnational vaccination coverage data for measles, rubella, and mumps by department
European and global surveillance data
As part of the global measles elimination plan, measles cases are analyzed monthly by the ECDC and WHO:
GEODES
Track the spread of measles in France and in your area
In relation to
Rubella
thematic dossier
Rubella is a viral infection that is usually mild but can, during pregnancy, lead to fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome. A vaccine is available to prevent infection.
Vaccination
thematic dossier
Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.
