Antwerp (Eurotoday) – Measles infections in Flanders have sharply increased, with 47 cases reported in April 2025 alone—most of them located in Antwerp. Virologist Marc Van Ranst has issued a strong call for vaccination after it was revealed that 47 out of 60 Antwerp cases involved individuals who had not received the measles vaccine.
According to HLN and VRT News, the region is witnessing a significant spike in infections. The April figures mark a steep rise from just 14 cases in the same month last year and represent the highest monthly total since March 2011. So far in 2025, there have been 95 reported cases—nearing the total of 123 for all of 2024, which had already set a record.
Antwerp is the epicenter of the current outbreak, accounting for 60 of the total cases. Most of the patients are children under nine who had not been vaccinated against measles. The local health department confirmed that the majority of those affected in Antwerp had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, highlighting the critical role vaccinations play in controlling preventable diseases.
Why Are Measles Cases Rising in Antwerp?
This outbreak is raising significant concerns among healthcare providers and government officials. Around half of those infected required hospital treatment, and several patients were admitted to intensive care. Measles can cause complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in severe cases, long-term neurological damage—particularly in unvaccinated individuals.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, warning of the potential for further outbreaks if immunization rates remain low. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely in Antwerp and are working to boost vaccination rates to contain the spread.
Medical professionals across Belgium, especially in Antwerp, are alarmed at the growing number of cases. Hospitals are facing increased pressure, and experts like virologist Van Ranst have stressed the urgency of identifying cases early and reinforcing public awareness about the importance of vaccination.
Urban areas such as Antwerp face added challenges due to high population density, frequent migration, and lower vaccination rates. Measles is highly contagious, and in communities where vaccination coverage is inadequate, even a single infection can trigger a large-scale outbreak.
Cities also tend to have more diverse populations, some of whom are not effectively reached by national health campaigns. Factors like cultural barriers, language difficulties, mistrust of healthcare systems, and lack of clear information contribute to gaps in vaccine uptake, particularly among recently arrived migrants.
To address these issues, health officials recommend targeted communication strategies, providing materials in multiple languages, and collaborating with trusted community organizations. They also propose mobile clinics and easily accessible vaccination sites to improve outreach. Though these measures require investment, they are crucial to increasing immunization coverage and preventing future outbreaks.
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