Attention holidaymakers: measles outbreak in Southern Europe

Are you going on vacation to France, Italy, Greece, or Romania this summer? Be cautious: measles have broken out in these countries.

GGD Warning
The GGD warns that there is an increase in the number of people with measles in various European countries. Last summer, it was mainly Italy and Romania, where the epidemic is still ongoing. This year, there is a significant increase in measles cases in France and Greece. In Greece and Romania, measles vaccination is not mandatory, while in France and Italy, it has only recently become mandatory. The GGD advises people with travel plans to these countries to be cautious. Measles are extremely contagious and dangerous.

When are you at risk?
The risk is particularly high for people born between 1965 and 1975 – because they are mostly not vaccinated – andbabies under 14 months oldwho come into close contact with the local population. For example, when visiting family in these countries or when your child regularly plays with other local children.

Get an (early) vaccination
Although measles have been part of the National Vaccination Program in the Netherlands since 1976, not everyone chooses to vaccinate themselves or their children.vaccinate. If you are going to one of the mentioned countries, the GGD recommends getting vaccinated.

About measles
The disease is highly contagious. If someone has the virus, it resides in the throat, and small droplets containing the virus are released into the air through coughing and sneezing. People can inhale these droplets and become infected. If you become infected with the virus that eventually leads to measles, you will experience symptoms such as fever, excessive coughing, a sore throat, and inflamed eyes. After 3 to 7 days, you will develop rough-feeling spots on your skin.

Fatality
You can become very ill from measles, and in the worst case, it can be fatal. It is especially dangerous for babies under 1 year and pregnant women if they become infected with the virus. Worldwide, an average of 100,000 people die from measles each year, primarily young children.

Source: ad.nl