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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 5)

16 Aug 2017

Measles continues to be transmitted in Europe, with the potential for further spread.

Austria: Between 1 January and 4 August 2017, Austria reported 80 cases of measles cases.

Finland: Between 1 January and 9 August 2017, ten cases of measles have been reported in Finland, with 2 cases since 2 August.

France: There have been 387 cases (including 1 death) between 1 January and 31 July 2017, with 92 cases since 22 June 2017.

Germany: There have been 4 cases since 4 August 2017, with a total of 818 cases between 1 January and August 2017.

Greece: On 6 August 2017, 8 cases of measles were reported. 3 cases were reported from northern Greece and 5 in Attica.

Italy: 4 087 cases (including 3 deaths) were reported between 1 January and 8 August 2017. 86 of these cases were reported since 4 August.

Romania: There were 8 455 cases (including 32 deaths) between 1 January 2016 and 4 August 2017. Of these, 1 969 cases were reported during 2016, and 6 486 in reported in 2017. A further 108 cases have been reported since 4 August 2017.

United Kingdom: ECDC reported on 12 August that the number of confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales in 2017 is 92.

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.