Why should you be concerned about measles outbreaks in Europe?
Because there is a good chance you or someone you know are going to Europe this summer...
Measles Outbreaks in Europe
And even if you or someone you know isn't going to Europe this summer, you will almost certainly have contact with someone who is going.
"Measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers."
Plan for Travel to Avoid Measles
Are they going to bring you back anything?
With measles cases and measles deaths on the rise in Europe and other parts of the world, there is a chance that international travelers might bring home measles and other infectious diseases.
"According to the latest available data, 56 634 measles cases and four deaths were officially reported across 45 out of 53 countries in the WHO European Region during the first three months of 2024. Throughout 2023, 61 070 cases and 13 deaths were reported by 41 countries."
Joint press release from WHO and UNICEF: measles cases across Europe continue to surge, putting millions of children at risk
How great a chance?
That depends on where they are going and whether or not they are vaccinated and protected.
"Through its epidemic intelligence activities, ECDC has identified 3 826 new measles cases in 16 EU/EEA countries since the last monthly update, including reports on the ongoing outbreaks among others in Austria, Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Romania."
Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 May 2024, week 20
But even if they aren't going to a country with lots of measles, since many international travelers mix at hub airports, there is a chance that these travelers could still be exposed.
That's why it is a good idea to be sure that everyone is up to date on all vaccines, including your MMR, before traveling out of the country.
And with measles cases and measles deaths on the rise, it's a good idea to be vaccinated and protected even if you aren't traveling!
More on Avoiding Measles
- Why Are You Still Worried About the MMR Vaccine?
- How Contagious Is Measles?
- The Myth That Measles Isn’t Deadly
- Why Are We Having Measles Outbreaks If MMR Vaccination Rates Are Not Declining?
- Ontario's first measles death in decades offers grim reminder that unvaccinated kids are at risk
- CDC - Plan for Travel to Avoid Measles
- Joint press release from WHO and UNICEF: measles cases across Europe continue to surge, putting millions of children at risk
- Measles on the rise in the EU/EEA: considerations for public health response
- Surveillance and monitoring - Monthly measles and rubella monitoring report in Europe
- Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 May 2024, week 20
- ECDC reports: vaccine-preventable diseases on the rise in the EU/EEA
- US Measles Outbreak Coincides With Lowest Child Immunisation Rate in 10 Years
- Measles Resurgence in Europe: Migrants and Travellers are not the Main Drivers
- No evidence migrants are responsible for England’s whooping cough outbreak
