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Measles in Europe (Update 3)

04 October 2024

The European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC) reports continued transmission of measles in Europe. From 1 January 2024 to 11 September 2024, countries reporting cases are:

Romania: 21 167 cases (18 deaths) , Bosnia & Herzegovina: 7 189 cases (1 death), Italy: 809 cases, Belgium: 530 cases, Austria: 502 cases, Germany: 620 cases, France: 386 cases, Serbia: 348 cases, Republic of Srpska: 308 cases, Poland: 261 cases, Spain: 192 cases, Netherlands: 156 cases, Ireland: 106 cases, Switzerland: 94 cases, Portugal: 35 cases, Czech Republic: 33 cases, Greece: 29 cases, Cyprus: 26 cases, Lithuania: 26 cases, Croatia: 25 cases, Montenegro: 25 cases, Bulgaria: 24 cases, Sweden: 26 cases, Denmark: 25 cases, Hungary: 18 cases, Slovenia: 17 cases, Norway: 10 cases, Malta: 7 cases, Estonia: 4 cases, Finland: 2 cases, Iceland: 2 cases, Luxembourg: 1 case and Slovakia: 4 cases.

Measles is highly contagious and continuing transmission means there is also risk of spread to countries not currently reporting cases.

Advice for Travellers

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 a valuable opportunity to ensure individuals are protected against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) viruses. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

Consider vaccinating:

  • all travellers who have not previously had two doses of MMR vaccine or prior measles infection
  • travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), and/or mixing closely with the local population
  • younger children who have not yet been fully immunised

For children, first and second doses of MMR vaccine can be administered earlier than they would routinely be given within the UK Vaccination Schedule (2 doses of MMR vaccine around 12-13 months, and before starting school at around 3 years 4 months of age).

  • MMR vaccine can be given from 6 months of age when early protection is required

See the TRAVAX Measles, Mumps and Rubella page for further information.