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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 5)

16 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.

Austria: Between 1 January and 4 August 2017, Austria reported 80 cases of measles cases.

Finland: Between 1 January and 9 August 2017, ten cases of measles have been reported in Finland, with 2 cases since 2 August.

France: There have been 387 cases (including 1 death) between 1 January and 31 July 2017, with 92 cases since 22 June 2017.

Germany: There have been 4 cases since 4 August 2017, with a total of 818 cases between 1 January and August 2017.

Greece: On 6 August 2017, 8 cases of measles were reported. 3 cases were reported from northern Greece and 5 in Attica.

Italy: 4 087 cases (including 3 deaths) were reported between 1 January and 8 August 2017. 86 of these cases were reported since 4 August.

Romania: There were 8 455 cases (including 32 deaths) between 1 January 2016 and 4 August 2017. Of these, 1 969 cases were reported during 2016, and 6 486 in reported in 2017. A further 108 cases have been reported since 4 August 2017.

United Kingdom: ECDC reported on 12 August that the number of confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales in 2017 is 92.

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