Fourteen out of the 29 countries monitored by the ECDC have reported cases this year, indicating the start of the measles transmission season, which traditionally runs from February to June. However, with the exception of Romania, Spain and the UK, the reported numbers so far this year are significantly lower than those reported by EU Member States for the corresponding period last year.
In the north west of England, 113 cases of measles have been confirmed since the beginning of January. A further 43 probable cases are being investigated. This outbreak is now the largest in the north-west of England since the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988. In addition, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health reports 6000 measles cases to date in 2012.
The CDTR summarises information gathered by ECDC through its epidemic intelligence activities regarding communicable disease threats of concern to the European Union and provides updates on the global situation and changes in the epidemiology of communicable diseases with potential to affect Europe.
Related links
European Measles Monthly Monitoring
Outbreak of measles in Ukraine and potential for spread in the EU 2012
CDTR week 12
Measles;Influenza;Surveillance Unit;