Measles in Austria

30 Apr 2015

Between 1 January - 21 April 2015, 152 measles cases were reported in Austria; this compares with 117 for the entire year in 2014.

Seven out of nine provinces have reported measles cases; the exception being Vorarlberd and Burgenland. The worst affected province is Lower Austria with 48.7% of cases, followed by Upper Austria with 21% of cases. The infections seem related to separate clusters rather than a widespread outbreak and all age groups have been affected. Adolescents and young adults are the age group most affected.

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.