European monthly measles monitoring, November 2011
ECDC monitors measles transmission in the EU and EEA/EFTA countries and produces monthly epidemiological updates. The European Monthly Measles Monitoring (EMMO) report has two sections. The surveillance section reports officially validated national figures on measles reported by countries to The European Surveillance System (TESSy). The Epidemic Intelligence section reports information from multiple sources including national websites, the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS), TESSy, validated media reports, and personal communication from national authorities. The period covered in the Epidemic Intelligence section will differ between countries, and the number of cases reported should be treated as preliminary data.
Executive Summary
The report highlights that the measles epidemic in Europe continues.
The number of new cases is expected to increase in the beginning of 2012 and peak in the February to May period, in the absence of effective interventions.
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 EMMO aims 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.
In September 2011, the coordination of surveillance of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases was transferred from the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark (the former EUVAC.NET hub coordinator) to ECDC; the EUVAC.NET website migrated to ECDC and is now maintained and moderated by ECDC. In October the EUVAC.NET Forum was replaced by EPIS–VPD, an ECDC-moderated platform for the rapid exchange of confidential information on vaccine-preventable diseases.
