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Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 6)

23 Aug 2017

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 Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

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. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles.