European monthly measles monitoring, June 2011
ECDC monitors measles transmission in the EU and EEA/EFTA countries and produces monthly epidemiological updates. These European Monthly Measles Monitoring (EMMO) reports are based on information from multiple sources including national websites, the EUVAC.NET database, the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS), validated media reports, and personal communication from national authorities. The period covered will differ between countries, and the number of cases reported in EMMO should be treated as preliminary data.
Executive Summary
Measles, a highly infectious vaccine-preventable disease, is re-emerging in Europe. Countries within the European Region of the World Health Organization, which include EU and EEA/EFTA countries, have committed to eliminate measles by 2015. Elimination of measles requires sustained vaccination coverage above 95% with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MCV).
ECDC is monitoring measles transmission in these countries and produces epidemiological updates. The European Monthly Measles Monitoring reports (EMMO) aim to provide timely public updates on the measles situation in Europe for effective disease control measures, and in support of the common 2015 measles elimination target. These monthly reports are based on information from multiple sources including national websites, the EUVAC.NET database, the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS), validated media reports, and personal communication from national authorities.
Since the last EMMO published on 13 July, more than 2 000 new measles cases were detected in the EU and EEA/EFTA countries. This brings the total number of cases in 2011 to 28 307. New measles outbreaks have been reported in Ireland, French overseas territory of La Réunion and Finland.
