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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 4)

07 August 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 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