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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 6)

23 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: 82 cases cases have been reported from 1 January to 18 August 2017.

Denmark: A case with recent history of travel to Poland was reported in West Zealand on 16 August 2017. This is the second case in 2017 in Denmark.

France: There have been 393 cases, including 1 death from 1 January to 9 August 2017. Most recently there have been 6 cases in the Ardèche department.

Germany: There have been 828 cases from 1 January to 16 August 2017, including 10 cases since 11 August.

Romania: From 1 January 2016 to 11 August 2017, Romania reported 8 521 cases, including 32 deaths to 18 August 2017, ith 38 cases since 11 August

United Kingdom: A further 4 cases were reported in South wales on 16 August 2017, bringing the case total in the Newport and Torfaen outbreak to 16.

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