Hygiena 2019, 64(1):16-20 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1638

The current epidemiological situation of measles in Europe

Tomáš Tkadlec¹, Jana Vlčková², Kateřina Azeem², Simona Zatloukalová², Ondřej Holý², Dagmar Horáková², Helena Kollárová²

¹ Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, Lékařská fakulta, Olomouc, Česká republika

² Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, Lékařská fakulta, Ústav veřejného zdravotnictví, Olomouc, Česká republika

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It is a worldwide spread disease occurring especially in countries with a low vaccination level, that means developing countries in particular, from which it can be spread further. In developed countries cases of measles are mostly imported; an equally important group of infections, however, is the circulation of the virus in specific social groups rejecting vaccination (e.g.religious reasons, as a result of disinformation, consequence of an alternative lifestyle). In recent years, the incidence of measles is increasing in Europe, especially in Ukraine, Romania, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, and other countries. Deaths due to measles were also recorded. Consistent vaccination of the whole population based on a valid vaccination scheme is the most important measure to prevent measles occurrence.

Keywords: measles, epidemics, vaccination, Europe

Received: October 2018; Accepted: January 7, 2019; Published: February 28, 2019  Show citation