In light of the epidemic outbreak of measles in parts of France, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of up-to-date measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
Following the information from the French health authorities that an epidemic outbreak of measles has been identified in Val Thorens, Savoie, members of the Luxembourg population should ensure that their MMR vaccination is up to date, especially when travelling in this region.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, charaterised by a rash preceded by rhinitis, conjunctivitis, coughing and moderate fever. Some sufferers may have serious complications that can lead to significant sequelae or even death. Severe complications are more common in young children under one year old and adults over twenty. In 2018, 82,000 cases were confirmed in Europe, including 36 deaths. Vaccination is the most effective method of protection against measles.
To date, the epidemic outbreak of measles in Val Thorens has 50 cases of measles (including 36 confirmed cases), mostly involving young adults working on the ski resort.
In addition, the Scottish, Danish and Belgian health authorities reported confirmed cases of measles among residents of their country on their return from Méribel and Val Thorens, respectively. The ski resort of Val Thorens is very busy and welcomes many foreign nationals, including many residents of Luxembourg. These conditions may favour the occurrence of new cases of measles in the coming weeks as well as the spread to other foreign countries.
In this particular situation and in order to stop the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Health has recalled the vaccination recommendations issued by the High Council of Infectious Diseases: for children, 2 doses of combined vaccine against MMR are recommended as early as 12 months of age and for adults born after 1980 who have not received two doses of measles vaccine, a MMR booster is recommended. For people who have been in contact with a case of measles, vaccination, if performed within 72 hours after the first potentially infectious contact, can prevent the occurrence of the disease.
For more information on measles or measles case management, visit the Health Inspection Division of the Health Directorate or contact them via tel: (+352) 247-85650. For questions regarding vaccination, consult the health portal: http://sante.public.lu/fr/espace-professionnel/recommandations/conseil-maladies-infectieuses/rougeole-rubeole-oreillons/index.html.
