Raising Awareness About Measles Vaccination During World Immunization Week 2025

From April 21 to April 25, 2025, people across the globe will observe World Immunization Week. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has seen a significant increase in measles cases, including reports of infections in Japan this year. Notably, even individuals without a recent travel history are contracting the virus, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness. The Japan Committee for Vaccines for Children (JCV), a recognized nonprofit organization based in Minato, Tokyo, is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of the ongoing measles outbreaks and the importance of vaccination during this week.

Understanding the Dangers of Measles

Measles is an infectious disease caused by the measles virus, characterized by symptoms such as widespread rash, high fever, and white spots inside the mouth. It is a serious illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, with a significant mortality rate associated with these complications. Furthermore, measles has been shown to destroy immune memory cells, as highlighted in research from Harvard University, which indicates that between 11% to 73% of acquired immunity can be lost after contracting the disease. Even after recovery, individuals are left more susceptible to other infections.

One of the most alarming aspects of measles is its high contagion rate. It spreads not only through droplets and contact but also via airborne transmission, with one infected person capable of infecting about 12 others. This transmission rate ranks measles among the most contagious diseases, making vaccination crucial for prevention. A single vaccination provides around 95% immunity, while two doses guarantee immunity for nearly all recipients.

Global Outbreaks of Measles

According to a report from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 359,521 measles cases globally in 2024. This includes a staggering 127,350 cases reported in 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia, representing the highest number of cases since 1997. Alarmingly, over 40% of patients were children under the age of five, with more than half requiring hospitalization. The majority of these children had either received no vaccinations or only one dose.

In the United States, a major measles outbreak occurred this year, centered around Texas, with over 600 reported infections and two child fatalities—the first measles-related deaths in a decade. Notably, 97% of these infected individuals were unvaccinated. The delays in vaccination during the pandemic and vaccine hesitancy have left many children vulnerable to the threat of measles.

The Situation in Japan

Japan, too, is witnessing an alarming rise in measles cases, with 58 confirmed cases reported by March 30 this year, more than doubling the figures from the same period last year. While Japan has been regarded as a country free from endemic measles, the increase in cases can be largely attributed to travelers returning from abroad, as well as native cases being reported in various regions without a recent travel history.

The Crucial Role of Vaccination

In our increasingly globalized society, pathogens travel alongside people, heightening the risk of infectious diseases spreading across borders. The recent surge in measles cases in Japan serves as a stark reminder that viruses can cross borders easily, calling for heightened vigilance and proactive measures. JCV has been actively involved in supporting vaccination initiatives in developing countries, collaborating with local UNICEF offices to provide vaccines and protect children’s futures since its inception in 1994. The risk of infectious disease outbreaks is a global concern, and it is essential to ensure that children in both developing countries and Japan are protected through vaccination. Vaccination against infectious diseases must be a priority to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard our communities.

About JCV

Organization Name: Japan Committee for Vaccines for Children (JCV)
Representative: Chairperson Mutsuko Kenmochi
Founder: Honorary Chairperson Kayoko Hosokawa, wife of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa
Headquarters: Mita Hillside Building 8F, 4-1-9 Mita, Minato, Tokyo
Website: www.jcv-jp.org
Founded: January 29, 1994
Special Supporters: Keiko Takeshita (Vaccination Ambassador & Actress), Takashi Wada (Former Professional Baseball Player), Yu Hayami (Singer & Actress) and various other notable figures.