Netherlands reports fatal measles case in adult
On Thursday, the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health
and the Environment (RIVM) reported Thursday on the death of an adult from measles.
The deceased patient had a serious immune disorder, which meant that the immune system could not provide sufficient protection against this infectious disease.
The patient was admitted to the hospital with measles 2 weeks ago. Even after the source investigation by the GGD (Municipal Health Service) it is unknown where the person contracted measles.
Dozens of measles cases reported in the Netherlands to date in 2025
In people with a serious immune disorder, such as a congenital immune disorder or a medical treatment that severely suppresses the immune system, the effect of a previously received vaccination can be greatly reduced. As a result, they can still become seriously ill if they come into contact with the measles virus. "This tragic event emphasizes the importance of a high vaccination rate," according to the RIVM. "The virus then has no chance to infect people. It also shows that measles is not just a childhood disease; it can also have major consequences for vulnerable adults."
Since the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, the number of patients with measles in the Netherlands has decreased significantly. Over the past 10 years, the vaccination rate has clearly decreased, which means that the disease can now spread more easily again. Especially among people who are not vaccinated and have not had measles before. A high vaccination rate is important to protect everyone, including vulnerable groups who cannot be vaccinated themselves, such as people with a serious immune disorder or young babies.
Measles often starts with fever, fatigue, a runny nose and a dry cough. Red, inflamed eyes and white spots on the inside of the cheeks can also develop. After a few days, a red, blotchy rash follows, which usually starts on the face and then spreads over the rest of the body. Most people recover on their own, but measles can have serious consequences such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can sometimes be life-threatening.