What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Measles Outbreaks in Europe (Update 8)

20 Sep 2017

Measles continues to be transmitted in Europe, with the potential for further spread.

Italy has reported 43 cases since 8 September 2017. This brings Italy's total number of measles cases to 4 487, including 3 deaths. 297 of these cases are healthcare workers: 88% of them were unvaccinated

Romania has reported 122 cases and 1 death since 8 September 2017, bringing this year’s total number of cases to 7 258. Since the beginning of 2016, there have been 9227 cases including 35 deaths.

Ukraine has reported 1 386 cases of measles mainly in the regions Ivano-Frankivsk (637 cases) and Odessa (526 cases).

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.