Officials from Ireland and Elsewhere Are Warning Tourists to Avoid Five European Countries Due to Measles Threat
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 22, 2025 2 hours, 54 minutes ago
Medical News: Health authorities in Ireland and across Europe are urgently warning travelers, especially families with young children, to avoid visiting five specific countries that are currently experiencing major measles outbreaks. These countries—France, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, and Belgium—have reported a worrying surge in measles cases in recent days, sparking concern about the potential for international spread of the disease.
https://www.hpsc.ie/news/title-24955-en.html
Officials from Ireland and Elsewhere Are Warning Tourists to Avoid Five European Countries Due to Measles Threat
This alert comes just as the summer travel season kicks off, a time when thousands of Irish tourists and travelers from other nations are preparing for holidays across Europe. But health experts are stressing the importance of caution. According to a warning issued by Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the risk of catching and then bringing the virus back to Ireland is significantly higher if people, especially children, are not properly vaccinated. This
Medical News report serves as a timely reminder of how dangerous measles can be and why prevention is crucial during international travel.
Measles Cases Rising Across Europe and Beyond
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has also confirmed that France, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, and Belgium have all seen a spike in measles cases. Alarmingly, health officials have also observed an increase in measles infections in North America, including in both the United States and Canada.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can cause high fever, rash, and, in severe cases, complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death—especially in young children or those with weakened immune systems.
Irish Authorities Urge Vaccination Before Travel
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) and the HPSC are now advising anyone planning to travel abroad, particularly to these five countries, to ensure they are fully vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles, and it is provided free of charge to eligible individuals in Ireland.
A spokesperson from the HPSC emphasized, “The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is to ensure you and your family members are age-appropriately vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.” They went on to urge people who may be unsure of their vaccination status to speak to their doctor as soon as possible.
The advice includes a strong recommendation for infants aged 6 to 12 months who are planning to travel—these young children can receive the MMR vaccine early, also free of charge, from their GP. Ideally, the vaccine should be administered at least 14 days before
departure to allow enough time for immunity to develop.
What Travelers Need to Know
-Who should get vaccinated?
Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1978 who has not had both doses of the MMR vaccine should contact their GP. Young children, including those under 12 months traveling overseas, are also eligible.
-Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The MMR vaccine has been used globally for decades and is considered very safe and effective.
-What happens if someone catches measles abroad?
If an unvaccinated traveler catches measles while abroad, they risk serious illness and also risk spreading the infection to vulnerable people at home when they return.
Widespread International Concern
The recent surge in measles cases has sparked coordinated responses from multiple health bodies across Europe. In addition to the ECDC and HSE, national health organizations in other countries are also rolling out public warnings. The concern is not just about localized outbreaks—but about the potential for a ripple effect across borders as travel increases.
Measles is particularly dangerous because of its high transmission rate. According to health experts, a single infected person can spread the virus to up to 18 others in environments where people are not vaccinated. This makes it one of the most infectious diseases known.
A Preventable Threat
The resurgence of measles in 2024 and 2025 is largely attributed to falling vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many routine childhood immunizations were delayed. As international travel returns to normal levels, the chance of reintroducing vaccine-preventable diseases like measles into countries where they were previously under control has grown significantly.
Irish health officials, along with their counterparts in other nations, are hoping to prevent a domestic outbreak by encouraging travelers to take action before they fly. Health experts stress that vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps shield those in the community who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
To sum up, the best defense against this potential health threat is simple and accessible—get vaccinated. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or not, checking your MMR vaccine status could be a life-saving decision for yourself and others.
For the latest Measles News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/measles-after-flu-or-any-other-respiratory-infections-can-result-in-severe-lung-damage
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/a-new-tool-to-predict-severe-measles-complications-crp-levels
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/measles
