Like most European countries, France has seen a significant decline in the number of reported measles cases since April 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by virtually no viral circulation in 2021, a trend that continued throughout 2022. The absence of a resurgence in active measles transmission is likely due in part to the lockdown implemented in France between March and May 2020 and to other recommended preventive measures (social distancing, hygiene practices, mask-wearing, curfews), but it persisted thereafter—unlike other respiratory viruses—until the end of 2022. This very high level of immunity can be explained, on the one hand, by the observed improvement in two-dose MMR vaccination coverage among infants born since 2018 who are subject to mandatory vaccination, and, on the other hand, by the immunity acquired during recent outbreaks. To advance the global goal of eliminating the measles virus, epidemiological surveillance, investigations of clustered cases, and catch-up vaccination efforts remain essential to limit the risk of outbreaks.

Measles: Key Surveillance Figures in France in 2022

A total of 15 cases (including 5 imported upon return from a trip to the African continent and 10 locally acquired cases) were reported in 2022. They occurred sporadically throughout the year, and no secondary transmission was reported except for one case of mother-to-fetus transmission.
Among these cases, 2 presented with pneumonia, 5 were hospitalized, and none were admitted to the intensive care unit. No deaths were reported.
Only 6 departments reported at least one case. No cases were reported in the overseas territories.

The reporting rate was 0.01 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (excluding imported cases). The highest rate observed was still among children under 1 year of age: 0.44 cases per 100,000.

Among the 6 indigenous cases eligible for vaccination (aged ≥1 year and born since 1980), only one case, a 3-year-old, had received 2 doses of the vaccine; the other cases were unvaccinated (n=3) or their vaccination status was unknown (n=2).

Learn more:

• Measles Epidemiological Bulletin. Surveillance data 2022.

• Measles News Updates (santepubliquefrance.fr)

A Reminder of the Importance of a Two-Dose Vaccination to Combat the Spread of the Measles Virus

Measles is one of the most contagious infections, with complications that can be severe, and it is potentially eradicable through high vaccination coverage.

Today, there is no specific treatment for the measles virus, and only very high vaccination coverage could lead to the disease’s permanent eradication.

Measles vaccination is mandatory for all children born on or after January 1, 2018. The first dose is administered at 12 months, and the second between 16 and 18 months. People born since 1980 should have received a total of two doses of the vaccine, regardless of their history regarding any of the three diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella).

In France, while there has been an improvement in MMR vaccination coverage by age 2 following the implementation of mandatory vaccination for infants, the goal of 95% vaccination coverage with two doses has not yet been achieved, and there remain populations that are insufficiently vaccinated, particularly among adolescents and young adults, as well as within specific populations who are underserved by the healthcare system.

See also:

• Public Health Bulletin on Vaccination. April 2023.

• Vaccination coverage data for measles, rubella, and mumps by age group (santepubliquefrance.fr)

• Measles prevention materials for healthcare professionals and the general public