Measles in France (Alsace)

30 Apr 2015

An outbreak of measles has been reported in Haut-Rhin province in the French territory of Alsace in the northeast of the country bordering Germany. The first case was identified on 10 April 2015, and as of 26 April, a total of 41 cases have been reported.

The outbreak has occurred mainly among pupils of four schools in the area; the index case is thought to have had contact with a confirmed measles case whilst in Berlin during a school trip to Germany.

The Director General of Health has alerted healthcare professionals as there are concerns of a more widespread outbreak now that schools are on holiday is Alsace.

A major measles outbreak occurred in France between 2008-2012; the outbreak peaked in 2011, with 20 000 cases and 10 measles related deaths reported.

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. 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.