Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 9)
16 Oct 2017
On 14 October 2017 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports measles continues to be transmitted in Europe, with the potential for further spread. Lack of vaccination, or incomplete vaccination remains an obstacle to controlling the outbreaks.
Austria has reported 1 case since 25 August 2017, bringing the total to 84 cases from 1 January to 22 September 2017.
Germany reported 25 cases since 8 September 2017. Bringing the total from 1 January to 4 October 2017 to 891 cases.
Greece has reported 115 cases since 8 September 2017 bringing the total from 17 May 2017 to 1 October 2017 to 215 cases.
Italy has reported 130 cases including 1 death since 15 September 2017. From 1 Jauary to 3 October 2017 Italy has reported 4 617 cases including 4 deaths.
Romania has reported 435 cases since 15 September 2017. From 1 January 2016 to 6 October2017, there have been 9 539 cases including 34 deaths. Of these cases, 1 969 were in 2016 and 7 570 in 2017.
Countries outside the European Union /European Economic Area.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reported 11 cases in Skopje, according to media reports.
Ukraine has reported 241 cases since 15 September 2017, bringing to the total between 1 January and 29 September 2017 to 1 627 cases. Most cases have been reported in Ivano-Frankivsk (747), Odessa (589, including 2 deaths) and Ternopil (70).
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.