Measles outbreaks spread across Europe – WHO

Epidemiological investigations and genotyping by laboratories confirm exportation of the virus among several countries. WHO says that outbreaks and the further spread of measles are likely to continue so long as people remain unimmunized or do not get immunized on time according to the routine immunization schedule.

“An increase in international travel during the Easter holidays will further increase the risk of exportation and importation of measles,” WHO said.

So far, France faces the largest outbreak, with 4,937 measles cases officially reported in the first three months of 2011 – a figure almost equal to the total of 5,090 cases reported last year.

According to WHO, measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. To prevent further exportation and importation of measles WHO/Europe encourages health authorities of Member States to advocate for immunization before international travel and to make vaccinations available to travellers.