Measles in Europe

24 Feb 2025

The European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC) reports continued transmission of measles in Europe. From 1 January 2025 to 14 February 2025, countries reporting cases are:

Austria: 47 cases

Czechia: 6 cases

Finland: 1 case

Germany: 26 cases

Ireland: 29 cases

Lithuania: 1 case

The Netherlands: 26 cases. Eleven cases were reported to have contracted measles in Morocco and 3 in Romania.

Romania: 918 cases (2 deaths)

Spain: 64 measles cases, of which 25 (39%) were imported and 32 (50%) were linked to an imported case. Some cases were linked to travel to Morocco.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory fluids. It causes a rash, high temperature (fever) and muscle aches and can have serious complications.

Advice for Travellers

Travelling abroad may increase your risk of measles. Your risk of exposure may be higher if you will be visiting friends and relatives and/or mixing with the local population during your trip.

Two doses of measles vaccine (given as part of MMR in the UK) are needed in your lifetime to fully protect you.

Check with your GP before travelling to ensure you have received two doses of MMR vaccination.

Children should be up to date with the UK Vaccination Schedule. This includes a dose of MMR vaccine at around 12-13 months, and a second dose usually given from 3 years 4 months of age.

• If your child has not yet had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, talk to your GP or travel health professional as they may be able to have the vaccine earlier than normal if you are travelling to an area considered to have a high risk of exposure to measles.

See the fitfortravel MMR page for further information.