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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 11)

13 December 2017

On 9 December 2017 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)reported 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 93 cases from 1 January and 1 December 2017.

Germany has reported 904 cases between 1 January to 12 November 2017.

Greece has reported 690 cases (including 2 deaths) from 17 May and 3 December 2017, Incidence in high in the south of the country.

Ireland has reported 39 cases from 1 January to 26 November 2017.

Italy has reported 4 854 cases (including 4 deaths) from 1 January to 28 November 2017.

Romania has reported 10 010 cases( including 36 deaths) from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2017. Of these, 1 969 were in 2016 and 8 041 were in 2017.

Spain has reported 162 cases from 1 January to 26 November 2017.

The UK reports ongoing outbreaks in England. As of 8 December 2017 the affected areas are Leeds (28 cases), Liverpool (18 cases), Birmingham (13 cases), Surrey (7 cases) and Manchester (4 cases) All of these cases are children or adults who have not received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

Kosovo has reported over 800 cases (including 2 deaths), from 1 January 21 November in 2017, according to media.

Serbia has reported 322 cases from 1 October to 1 December 2017.

Ukraine has reported measles in the following regions in 2017: Zaporozhye (122 cases), Ivano-Frankivsk (731 cases), Zakarpattya (116 cases), Odessa (812 cases, including 2 deaths), Lviv (61 cases), Bukovina (190 cases), Kiev (79 cases), Volyn (34 cases) and Ternopil (70 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