ABSTRACT
We describe characteristics of an ongoing measles outbreak in Wallonia, Belgium, and difficulties in control measures implementation. As at 12 March 2017, 177 measles cases were notified, of which 50% were 15 years and older, 49% female. Atypical clinical presentation and severe complications, mainly among adults, in combination with late notification, low or unknown vaccination coverage of contacts, infected healthcare workers and increased workload due to contact tracing, are the main concerns for outbreak management.
Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Measles Vaccine , Measles/embryology , Measles/epidemiology , Measles/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Belgium/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Contact Tracing , Humans , Infant , Measles/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Public Health , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
From 1 January to 14 April 2011, a total of 155 measles cases were notified in Belgium, whereas throughout 2010, there were only 40. Of the 103 cases with known vaccination status, 87% had not been vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. The resurgence of measles is the consequence of insufficient vaccine coverage in previous years. Efforts to communicate the benefits of measles vaccination to the public and to advise health professionals on control measures and outbreak management are ongoing.