Europe is currently facing a substantial public health challenge — a widespread measles epidemic. Health authorities indicate that this situation isn’t improving anytime soon. According to the Communicable Disease Threats Report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Romania has been grappling with an ongoing measles crisis since February 2016. Between September of last year and March 31, Romania has recorded a staggering 4,025 cases, with other outbreaks in the EU directly connected to this situation. The report highlights additional cases in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 500 measles cases within the European Region in January alone, with Romania suffering 17 fatalities as of March 10. Italy, too, reported 238 cases in January, with similar expectations for February. The WHO warns that as long as vaccination coverage remains below the critical threshold of 95%, the risk of large-scale outbreaks persists.
This situation poses a dual threat: not only is the EU at risk for additional outbreaks, but there’s also a potential for the disease to cross the Atlantic and establish itself in the United States. While national statistics indicate that 91.9% of infants aged 19 to 35 months have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, these figures vary significantly by state. In some states like Colorado, Ohio, and West Virginia, vaccination rates drop to as low as 86%, creating an environment susceptible to an epidemic. “One in twelve children in the U.S. is not receiving their first dose of the MMR vaccine on time, highlighting a considerable vulnerability to measles across the nation,” the report states.
The CDC continues to emphasize that unvaccinated individuals are at a heightened risk of contracting measles, especially after the significant outbreaks in 2014, which marked the highest number of cases in the U.S. since elimination. These outbreaks were primarily triggered by the disease entering communities with low vaccination rates due to philosophical or religious beliefs. The CDC advises adults to receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, with two doses recommended for international travelers, especially those heading to Europe. They caution that “anyone unprotected against measles is at risk of infection when traveling abroad,” and such individuals can inadvertently contribute to disease transmission upon returning home.
The WHO reported that in January alone, countries like France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, and Ukraine collectively saw 474 measles cases, with expectations of even higher figures for February. All these nations have vaccination coverage below the critical 95% threshold.
While 2016 and 2015 were relatively stable years for measles in the U.S., the prospect of a repeat of 2014, with international travelers introducing the virus to unvaccinated populations, is concerning. In that year, one notable outbreak involved 383 cases primarily among the Amish community in Ohio. With the ongoing measles outbreak in Europe, the same scenario could easily replay.
It is crucial for Europe to enhance its vaccination rates to prevent further spread of the disease. For those interested in family planning and related topics, you can check out this blog post on home insemination and other resources like the CryoBaby At-Home Insemination Kit, which provide excellent support for those exploring pregnancy options. Additionally, this article about IUI success offers valuable insights.
Summary
Europe is currently experiencing a significant measles epidemic, with rising case numbers and the potential for widespread outbreaks due to insufficient vaccination coverage. This public health crisis poses a risk not only within Europe but also for the United States, where unvaccinated populations may be vulnerable. Enhancing vaccination rates is essential to mitigate this risk.