Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 4)
07 Aug 2017
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
reports measles continues to be transmitted in Europe, with the potential for further spread.
Belgium: From late June until 26 July 2017, an outbreak in a prison in Ghent has involved 19 cases (14 prisoners and 5 staff).
Czech Republic: There have been 3 cases from 23 June to 30 July 2017, bringing the total this year to 133 cases.
Finland: On 3 August 2017, 4 cases were reported in Finnish travellers returning from Italy. All cases are reported to have been vaccinated twice against measles this brings the Finnish case total to 8 in 2017.
Germany: There have been 13 cases since the most recent report on 28 July 2017. Germany has reported 814 cases from 1 January to 2 August 2017.
Italy: There have been 159 cases since the last report on 28 July 2017, with 4 001 cases, including three deaths from 1 January to 1 August 2017.
Romania: From 1 January 2016 to 28 July 2017, there have been 8 347 cases, including 32 deaths. Since the last report on 28 July 2017 there have been 101 cases.
United Kingdom: Since the last report on 28 July 2017, Public Health Wales reported two additional cases linked to an outbreak in Gwent, bringing the Welsh total to 12. Since 28 July 2017, the combined increase for England and Wales is 40 cases.
Advice for Travellers
Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.
For further information see Measles