Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 2)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Controlreports that measles transmission continues in several European countries. As of 12 July 2017, a total of 35 deaths have occurred from measles during the current outbreaks.

Affected countries with updates since 7 July 2017:

Bulgaria: 14 cases have been reported since 7 July, bringing the total from 1 January 2017 to 9 July 2017 to 162 cases.

Finland: On 27 June 2017, a case of measles was reported in an Italian citizen working at an international camp from 19 to 25 June 2017. On 4 July 2017, a further 2 cases linked to this camp were reported in unvaccinated siblings. On 13 July 2017 another case was linked to the same transmission chain.

Germany: 14 cases have been reported since 7 July 2017. Up to 5 July 2017, the total for was 780 cases. In the equivalent period in 2016, Germany reported 146 cases.

Italy: 155 cases have been reported since 7 July 2017. Up to 11 July 2017 there have been 3 501 cases, including two deaths. 255 cases are healthcare workers. 89% of cases were unvaccinated and 6% had received only one dose of vaccine.

Romania: There have been 156 cases since 7 July 2017. Between 1 January 2016 and 7 July 2017, there were 7 647 cases, including 31 deaths. 41 out of 42 districts have reported cases. Timis, near the border with Serbia, is the most affected district with 1 174 cases. Vaccination activities are ongoing.

Spain: Between 1 January 2017 and 9 July 2017, Spain reported 138 cases.

United Kingdom: Between 1 June 2017 and 12 July 2017, 8 cases have been reported in the Newport and Torfaen areas of South Wales. 17 cases were reported in England in the first three months of 2017. A small number of cases has been reported in Northern Ireland up to 6 July 2017. No cases have been reported in Scotland.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. The travel consultation provides healthcare practitioners with a valuable opportunity to ensure individuals are protected against the measles virus. Consider vaccinating:

• All travellers who have not previously had two doses of a measles containing vaccine or prior measles infection.
• Particularly children and those who will be living or working closely with the local population at their destination, in countries with high endemnicity or recent outbreaks.
• To help decide whether your traveller may be at risk of measles based on year of birth and vaccination history please read the table for measles recommendations

Charging for Measles Containing Vaccine:

• In Scotland, GP practices may charge for the administration of MMR vaccine if the traveller does not fall into one of the groups that can receive free vaccine and it is solely being given for the purposes of travel, but have discretion not to charge.
• In England, GPs will be reimbursed for administering one or two doses of MMR vaccine as required to all unvaccinated patients aged 16 and over who present to the GP surgery requesting vaccination.
• Further explanantion on charging arrangements can be found here Vaccine Charges FAQ

Advice for Travellers

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. Consider vaccinating all unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves, particularly if they are going to be at higher risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

For further information see Measles