Measles monthly report now includes Croatia; UK reports highest measles cases since 1994 and Poland faces nationwide rubella epidemic

During the period March 2012 to February 2013, 8,499 cases of measles were reported by 29 EU/EEA countries and Croatia. This is the first time data from Croatia is included in the report ahead of its accession to the EU on 1 July 2013.

In the United Kingdom, measles transmission is increasing across England and Wales. In 2012, the UK reported more than 2,000 cases of measles, the highest number since 1994. On-going outbreaks are reported from North-East England and the Swansea area of Wales.

During the period March 2012 to February 2013, 21,549 cases of rubella were reported. Poland and Romania accounted for 99% of the reported cases. Poland is currently facing a nationwide epidemic which particularly affects adolescents aged 15–19 years.

Measles and rubella are targeted for elimination in Europe by 2015. ECDC closely monitors progress towards interruption of endemic transmission of both diseases through enhanced surveillance and epidemic intelligence.

EMCDDA: Surveillance Report: Measles and rubella monitoring, April 2013 http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/measles-rubella-monitoring-April-2013.pdf

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