Measles in Europe: A Continuing Challenge

Measles surveillance data from Europe for 2006–2007 reveal pockets of susceptibility because of suboptimal vaccination coverage.

Measles incidence has declined dramatically, leading to talk of disease elimination — but is this goal feasible? To assess the current epidemiology of measles in Europe, investigators analyzed 2006–2007 surveillance data for 32 participating countries, as well as case-based data from 30 of these countries.

During the study period, 12,132 measles cases were reported, 85% of them from five countries: Romania, Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy. Incidence was highest in infants (age, <1 year) and declined with age, although nearly one in five cases occurred in people aged ≥20. Among measles cases with known vaccination status, most (80% overall; 95% of cases in infants) involved unvaccinated individuals. Seven measles-related deaths were…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine