The Directorate of Health
No more cases of measles have been detected
26th February 2026
Following the announcement by the Chief Epidemiologist on January 8 regarding a case of measles diagnosed in a child in the country on January 6, the Chief Epidemiologist wishes to inform that no new cases have been identified since then.
- Automatic translation
The time from exposure to illness in the case of measles is usually 7–14 days, but can be up to 21 days. Now, just over six weeks later, the overwhelming likelihood is that the risk of measles spreading in the country from this case has passed. This is primarily thanks to the generally good vaccination coverage against measles in Iceland.
The Chief Epidemiologist encourages everyone for whom it is relevant to receive the measles vaccination and to review their vaccination status before traveling.
Measures taken
All individuals who may have been exposed to the infection from this case were notified of their exposure. This included people who were at the same time as the infected individual at Landspítali hospital and on flights to the country. Appropriate persons were offered vaccination if relevant and/or necessary follow-up by the Capital Area Health Services was ensured.
Measles in Europe
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is estimated that one person with measles can infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals.
Cases of measles increased significantly from 2023 to 2024. According to a recent report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), provisional data for 2025 indicate that reported cases in Europe have decreased considerably compared with 2024. Nevertheless, cases in 2025 were still about twice as many as in 2023 and more than in most years since 2000.
Measles is now endemic in 19 European countries. In many places, a large number of cases could have been prevented with better vaccination coverage and faster responses to outbreaks.
Until 95% vaccination coverage is achieved everywhere, surveillance of infectious diseases is strengthened, and timely responses to outbreaks are ensured, the measles virus will continue to spread. In addition to causing severe illness and even death, measles can lead to long-term health consequences. See the news on the WHO website.
A report on the website of the Directorate of Health from January 12, regarding measles in Iceland following the recent case, provides more detail on the status of infections in Europe and globally.
Vaccination is the main prevention.
To maintain herd immunity against measles, participation in measles vaccination should preferably exceed 95% in routine childhood immunizations. This also protects infants who are too young to be vaccinated and others, such as immunocompromised individuals, for whom measles vaccination is not recommended.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has specifically noted that measles is spreading again in many countries where vaccination coverage has plateaued or declined.
In 2024, MMR vaccination coverage in the Capital Region was 94% among 18-month-old children and 87% among 12-year-old children.
Coverage below 90% nationwide increases the likelihood that measles could gain a foothold in Iceland if the infection is introduced.
Two doses of the measles vaccine provide up to 97% lifelong protection against measles.
See more:
The Chief Epidemiologist