Health authorities have issued a stark warning to travelers heading to continental Europe this summer as a surge in measles outbreaks sweeps across the region. Officials are urging anyone planning to travel abroad to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the highly contagious virus.
Rising Cases Across Europe
Latest figures reveal that 961 measles cases were recorded across European Union nations between January and April 2026. In the UK, more than 700 cases were reported between January and June, with London and the West Midlands among the hardest-hit areas.
In April, the most recent full month for which disease statistics are available, the European Union reported the highest counts in Bulgaria with 163 cases, Italy with 133, and Latvia with 38. The Irish Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also confirmed that outbreaks are continuing in both Canada and the United States.
Health Officials Urge Vaccination
According to the NHS, complications of measles can include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. In a statement released today, the Irish HSE said: "As measles is one of the most infectious diseases, case numbers can increase quickly when vaccination coverage falls below this protective threshold. Maintaining high uptake is essential to safeguarding population health."
The health service is now urging everyone to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of measles and ensure that both they and their family members are up to date with their MMR vaccinations ahead of any travel. A HSE spokesperson added: "The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles and to prevent the spread of measles is to ensure you and your family members are vaccinated against measles."
Highly Contagious Virus
The HSE also cautioned that measles can cause severe complications and is highly contagious, passing readily between individuals. It added: "Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily. If you think someone in your family has measles or has been in contact with measles, phone your doctor for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and avoid having visitors to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine)."
