Measles concerns prompt CDC warning for travelers to Europe

In response to a series of measles outbreaks since November 2016, the CDC has issued travel health notices for five European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Romania.

The most recent outbreak was observed in France on July 7.

“Most measles cases in the United States are the result of international travel,” Gary Brunette, MD, MPH, chief of the CDC’s travelers’ health program, said in the release. “Travelers get infected while abroad and bring the disease home. This can cause outbreaks here in the U.S.”

According to the European CDC, over 14,000 cases of measles have been reported since January 2016, with WHO confirming 35 deaths. These cases have been observed in 15 countries, which also include Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Although the region has been working toward measles elimination, vaccination gaps remain in areas where people choose not to receive the vaccine, do not have equitable access to immunization or cannot be protected owing to other health conditions.

“Every death or disability caused by this vaccine-preventable disease is an unacceptable tragedy,” Zsuzsanna Jakab, PhD, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said in a press release. “We are very concerned that although a safe, effective and affordable vaccine is available, measles remains a leading cause of death among children worldwide, and unfortunately Europe is not spared. Working closely with health authorities in all European affected countries is our priority to control the outbreaks and maintain high vaccination coverage for all sections of the population.”

The CDC recommends that anyone who is not protected from measles should be vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks before any international travel to complete the vaccine series. Health officials also urge anyone traveling to the U.S. with symptoms of measles — such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose or red and watery eyes — to immediately contact a health care provider. – by Katherine Bortz

Reference: CDC. CDC reminds travelers to Europe: Protect against measles. 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0719-europe-measles.html. Accessed July 19, 2017.