Measles outbreak in Europe

Apr 22, 2011 |

IANS

Geneva

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has observed measles outbreaks in many European countries and has asked health authorities to scale up immunisation measures.

According to the WHO, 33 European countries have reported over 6,500 measles cases as of April 18, Xinhua reported.

Of the affected European countries, France reported 4,937 cases from January to March 2011, compared to 5,090 cases reported in all of 2010.

Spain has reported two ongoing measles outbreaks since October 2010, with the first affecting Sevilla and surrounding municipalities, and the second affecting the province of Granada. Around 600 cases were detected in the two outbreaks.

Outbreaks were also reported in Germany, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russian, Switzerland, Turkey and Britain.

To prevent further spread, WHO has recommended two doses of measles vaccine for all children and at least one dose prior to international travel for adolescents and adults who are unsure about their immunity status.

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