Financial Burden of Measles Hospitalization Episodes in Romania, 2023-2024

Abstract

Between 2020 and 2022, Romania recorded a low number of measles-related hospitalizations, with no deaths reported—an outcome largely influenced by public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the lifting of these restrictions in 2023, measles incidence increased significantly, marking a resurgence of a vaccine-preventable disease. This descriptive study uses data from the National DRG database and CNSCBT-INSP reports to analyze the evolution of measles-related hospital admissions between 2023 and 2024, with a focus on the financial burden on the healthcare system. The results show a direct correlation between declining vaccination coverage—below the 95% threshold recommended by WHO—and the rise in measles cases, particularly among children aged 1–5 years. The average reimbursed cost per measles case in 2024 was approximately 2,588 RON, compared to an estimated 100 RON for full vaccination (two doses). These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen national immunization programs and public health interventions to reduce the clinical and economic burden of measles in Romania.