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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 9)

16 October 2017

On 14 October 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 1 case since 25 August 2017, bringing the total to 84 cases from 1 January to 22 September 2017.

Germany reported 25 cases since 8 September 2017. Bringing the total from 1 January to 4 October 2017 to 891 cases.

Greece has reported 115 cases since 8 September 2017 bringing the total from 17 May 2017 to 1 October 2017 to 215 cases.

Italy has reported 130 cases including 1 death since 15 September 2017. From 1 Jauary to 3 October 2017 Italy has reported 4 617 cases including 4 deaths.

Romania has reported 435 cases since 15 September 2017. From 1 January 2016 to 6 October2017, there have been 9 539 cases including 34 deaths. Of these cases, 1 969 were in 2016 and 7 570 in 2017.

Countries outside the European Union /European Economic Area.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reported 11 cases in Skopje, according to media reports.

Ukraine has reported 241 cases since 15 September 2017, bringing to the total between 1 January and 29 September 2017 to 1 627 cases. Most cases have been reported in Ivano-Frankivsk (747), Odessa (589, including 2 deaths) and Ternopil (70).

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