Measles outbreak is a worldwide problem

This article supports ‘RCN warns of measles danger', published in RCN Bulletin, 1 June 2011, page 2

The RCN’s Infection Control Adviser has said anyone travelling abroad should seek advice if they have not been immunised against measles.

Rose Gallagher highlighted new figures, published since the recent printed version of RCN Bulletin went to press, which shows that the increase in measles cases is wider than just Europe.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA shows there were 188 cases in the USA between January and May. Between 2001-2008 the average number of cases recorded by the CDC was 56 a year.

In the UK, figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there have been 275 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles between January and April.

The HPA believes the upsurge in cases is probably related to recent travel to and from Europe. This means that measles can spread easily in schools, summer camps and universities among children and young adults who are not fully immunised.

Rose said: “If cases have doubled in the USA in the first six months of this year, it shows it is not just a European problem.

“We need to encourage everyone who is unsure if they are immunised to check it out with their GP, practice nurse or travel clinic.”

Further information

See the CDC statistics
See the latest information from the HPA
For information and advice, visit NHS Choices
Read an account from the Gates Foundation on the safety of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine