Following a rise in measles cases across Europe, the Ministry of Health has issued an announcement providing information and guidance to the public and travellers.
Since the beginning of 2024, Cyprus has reported two cases of measles, both involving children.
Measles is described as an acute, highly contagious febrile rash illness caused by the measles virus. It can lead to complications such as otitis media, bronchopneumonia, laryngotracheobronchitis, encephalitis, and diarrhoea, remaining a leading cause of child mortality globally.
Typically, measles cases surge towards the end of winter and the onset of spring, posing greater risks to infants and adults due to complications.
Currently, the disease predominantly affects unvaccinated children and adults, with outbreaks occurring when the incidence rate among the pediatric population increases.
Since June 2023, a steady rise in measles cases has been observed in several European countries, with significant reports coming from Romania, the United Kingdom, Austria, and France, among others.
Cyprus had not reported any cases in the last two years, with previous sporadic cases largely attributed to imported incidents.
The measles virus, belonging to the paramyxovirus family and the Morbillivirus genus, is an RNA virus, with humans being its only natural host.
Transmission occurs very easily in crowded, enclosed spaces, either through direct contact with infected respiratory secretions or via airborne respiratory droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. Infectiousness peaks around four days before to four days after the rash appears.
Clinically, measles progresses through three stages: the prodromal (catarrhal) stage with fever and severe catarrhal symptoms, the exanthematous stage characterised by a blotchy rash, and the recovery phase marked by fever resolution and rash disappearance.
Around 30% of measles cases experience one or more complications, particularly severe in children under five and adults over twenty.
Prevention and control measures in Cyprus include the MMR vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella), administered as per the National Immunisation Programme in two doses, at 12 months and four years of age, although it can be given earlier provided four weeks have elapsed since the first dose.
During outbreaks, vaccination with MMR can start from six months of age. For international travel, unvaccinated individuals or those not vaccinated in childhood as per the National Immunisation Programme are advised to receive the MMR vaccine.
The Ministry of Health urges vaccination with MMR for children, adolescents, and adults lacking the necessary doses for protection against measles.
Travellers, particularly those unvaccinated in childhood, are recommended to consult their doctor for vaccination if planning to travel abroad, and to seek medical advice promptly if exhibiting symptoms compatible with measles, such as fever and rash, or if in close contact with a measles case, to reduce transmission risk.
