Measles in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports continuing transmission of measles in European countries. From the beginning of 2023 to 9 May 2023 the following have been reported:

• Austria: 119 cases, mostly in the region of Styria
• Germany: 41 cases
• Hungary: 1 case
• The Netherlands: media reports a child died of measles in March 2023
• Sweden: three cases in Södermanland (1), Stockholm (1) and Västra Götaland (1)

Previously, from January to March 2023, the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO EURO) reported 1 030 measles cases from European countries: Albania (3), Belarus (1), Belgium (2), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2), Estonia (1), France (4), Georgia (2), Italy (2), Kazakhstan (7), Kyrgyzstan (7), Poland (1), Russia (325), Serbia (40), Slovakia (1), Spain (4), Switzerland (5), Tajikistan (198), Turkey (343), Ukraine (3) and Uzbekistan (26).

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.