Three Measles Outbreaks in Portugal

The Directorate General of Health has reported a total of 37 people infected with measles in the last 2 months of 2018. Most of the cases are adults. The cases are spread across three outbreaks. The outbreak in Cascais was started by an infected traveller returning from Ukraine and there were 26 cases. An infected traveller returning from the Czech Republic started the outbreak involving 5 cases in Oeiras. The third outbreak involves 3 cases on Madeira island and is still under investigation.

Porada

Sporadic cases and outbreaks are often reported by many countries. 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.