This page presents the latest figures on measles in the Netherlands. Doctors and laboratory managers notify the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) if patients have measles. The GGDs notify RIVM of these reported cases. A larger outbreak occurs in the Netherlands about once every 10–15 years. The most recent major outbreak of measles in the Netherlands was in 2013–2014.
Update 11 March 2026: No new reports of measles in the Netherlands
Since the previous update (February 11, 2026), the RIVM has not received any new reports of measles. As a result, the number of reports for 2026 remains at 1. There is no national outbreak of measles at this time. In 2025, RIVM received reports of 539 patients who had measles.
Facts and figures on measles in the Netherlands
The figures below present information about trends in reported cases of measles in the Netherlands. Data for the past few months is not yet complete. This is because reports are sometimes received later on. RIVM will be posting the next update on measles in April 2026.
Reported cases of measles by month
The figure below shows reported cases of measles per month since January 2023. This represents the data up to and including 10 March 2026, based on current information. Case numbers may still rise. This is because some reports are only received by RIVM later.
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Vaccination coverage for mumps, measles, rubella (MMR)
The map below shows vaccination coverage by municipality in the Netherlands for the MMR vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella for infants (2022 cohort). The data does not include anonymous vaccinations and is sourced from the RIVM report on vaccination coverage in the National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands – reporting year 2025.
Reported cases of measles, 1976–2025
The figure below shows reported cases of measles per year since 1976. The measles vaccine has been included in the National Immunisation Programme since 1976. Since it was introduced, there has been a very clear decrease in reported cases of measles, but a measles outbreak has occurred every 10–14 years. These major outbreaks primarily occur in areas with low vaccination coverage. The number of reported cases are significantly lower than the number of people who contract measles during a major outbreak. About 10% (1 in 10) of measles patients were reported in the outbreak in 2013–2014.
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