Rise in measles cases in France as one death recorded

The number of measles cases is on the rise in France, with the number of confirmed cases seen in the first four months of 2025 close to surpassing last year’s annual figures. 

Health authorities are warning people to be aware of the disease, with at least one death in an immunocompromised adult being linked to the outbreak. 

The Santé publique health body said that between January 1 and April 13 2025 there were 427 confirmed and declared cases of measles in France. 

This is compared to the 483 declared in the entirety of 2024. 

Doctors must declare a confirmed case of the disease to national health authorities. 

It follows a global trend of rising cases, both in developing nations and those where measles has been all-but eradicated through vaccination drives.

The number of patients hospitalised in 2025 from measles (143) equates to roughly one-third of all cases so far this year, primarily children, teenagers and young adults.

58 of these led to further complications with nine people in intensive care. 

Several imported cases including from UK, prevalence in north of France

While it is clear the disease is now spreading inside of France’s borders, around 15% of cases were thought contracted after a trip abroad to countries including Vietnam and Morocco, as well as European countries including Italy, Romania, and the United Kingdom.

Cases have been identified in around 60 departments, but are more prevalent in certain areas, with over half of the cases being in the following departments:

• Nord (76 cases)

• Isère (30) 

• Haute-Savoie (23)

• Bouches du Rhône (20)

• Val d’Oise (19)

• Hérault (17)

• Paris (15)

• Alpes Maritimes (13)

• Pas de Calais (12).

Several cases were linked to ‘familial clusters’ with multiple closely-linked outbreaks

Full information can be found in the most recent Santé publique report.

Mandatory vaccination for younger children

Measles vaccinations are mandatory for all children in France born after January 1, 2018 as part of the MMR jab.

Those born between 1980 and 2018 should have been vaccinated, but can receive a vaccination now if they did not do so as a child.

Vaccination rates for this group is around 90%, meaning there is a risk of infection with a minimum 95% thought necessary. 

Further information on measles symptoms and the procedure to follow if you believe you or someone close to you has been infected can be found here.

Read more: Newcomers should follow French vaccination schedule for these diseases