Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 8)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports measles continues to be transmitted in Europe, with the potential for further spread.

Italy has reported 43 cases since 8 September 2017. This brings Italy's total number of measles cases to 4 487, including 3 deaths. 297 of these cases are healthcare workers: 88% of them were unvaccinated

Romania has reported 122 cases and 1 death since 8 September 2017, bringing this year’s total number of cases to 7 258. Since the beginning of 2016, there have been 9227 cases including 35 deaths.

Ukraine has reported 1 386 cases of measles mainly in the regions Ivano-Frankivsk (637 cases) and Odessa (526 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