Measles in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Updated)

09 Mar 2015

The outbreak of measles in Bosnia and Herzegovina first reported in January 2014, has continued and is now considered an epidemic. The outbreak peaked in June 2014, with a second peak in January 2015, as of the the beginning of February, 3804 cases have been recorded.

The highest rate of transmission has taken place in three Central Bosnia Canton municipalities: Bugojno, Fojnica and Travnik. The majority of cases (2680, (70%)) have been unvaccinated individuals and those whose vaccination history is unknown (755, (20%)).

The health authorities have implemented both catch-up and emergency vaccination campaigns in response to the epidemic although there has been some resistance to immunisation among some groups. The epidemic is not yet under control.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.