Measles infections in Türkiye climb to nearly 3,000 as vaccine uptake slips

According to figures cited by the Turkish Medical Association, measles infections in Türkiye have risen to nearly 3,000, marking a rapid escalation from 2,000 cases the year before. World Health Organization statistics trace the upward trend from 127 cases in 2022 through 500 in 2023 and 1,500 in 2024. Health officials point to a drop in MMR vaccination coverage to roughly 92%, below the 95% level needed to halt transmission, and note growing vaccine hesitancy and gaps in immunisation tracking.

The vaccine is offered free of charge at 12 months and again between ages four and six, with two doses providing about 97-99% protection. Infectious disease specialist Songül Özer cautions that the outbreak now affects both children and adults, and that roughly 30% of cases suffer complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.