Hundreds of additional measles cases have been reported in Greece during the past month, according to Greek health officials data. As of Feb. 1, The Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) put the case tally at 1362 (775 confirmed, 475 probable and 112 possible) since last year. This is up from 922 cases reported one month ago.
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The highest frequency has been observed in South Greece. It concerns people of Greek nationality (mainly young Roma children, as well as Greek adults mainly aged 25-44 years old) susceptible to measles, among them healthcare professionals who were unvaccinated or partly vaccinated.
Two deaths have been reported in laboratory confirmed measles cases. The first case concerned an 11-months old unvaccinated Roma infant, with underlying dystrophy, who died of septicaemia. The second case concerned a 17-year-old unvaccinated Roma, who died of encephalitis.
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Vaccination with the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children, adolescents and adults who have not been vaccinated with the appropriate doses. According to the National Immunization Program, children, adolescents and adults who were born after 1970 and have no evidence of immunity should receive 2 doses of measles containing vaccine.
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