Measles virus transmission in Europe

Measles virus transmission continues in all European countries with the exception of Latvia, Liechtenstein and Malta. Although there is a decrease in the number of reported measles cases in Italy and Romania, Greece continues to report a large number of cases, particularly in the south of the country.

According to national public health authorities, measles was responsible for 33 deaths in EU countries so far in 2017. Most of the reported deaths occurred in Romania (23), but there were deaths also reported in Italy (4), Bulgaria (1), Germany (1), Portugal (1), France (1), Greece (1) and Spain (1). In the latest report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there were new cases of measles reported in Austria, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain and the UK.

Advice

All travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious measles virus can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers who have not been immunized may be at high risk. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to the highly contagious measles virus by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including measles, are up-to-date prior to travelling.