Image illustrative : deux parents et leur enfant en consultation dans un cabinet médical

Measles Outbreak in Morocco: Recommendations for Travelers and Enhanced Precautionary Measures for Healthcare Professionals

In light of the current measles outbreak in Morocco, Santé publique France is reminding the public of the importance of vaccination for those planning to travel and is urging healthcare professionals to remain vigilant during the school holidays.

Measles

thematic dossier

Learn more

In this article

Morocco is facing a surge in measles cases that has been steadily increasing since September 2023. The outbreak has reached historic levels, with nearly 25,000 suspected cases, including 6,300 confirmed cases and 120 deaths. This situation is particularly concerning during school holidays, when travel and family gatherings can facilitate the spread of the virus. A national catch-up vaccination campaign for children under 18 was organized from October 28, 2024, to January 27, 2025, by Moroccan authorities to curb the spread of the virus. In this context, Santé publique France reminds travelers of the importance of checking their vaccination status with their doctor before departure and calls on healthcare professionals to exercise vigilance when treating patients returning from a trip to Morocco.

Increase in imported measles cases in France from Morocco

Since January 1, 2025, there has been a notable increase in the number of imported measles cases in France:

  • 13 imported cases or cases linked to travel following a stay in Morocco have been reported since the start of the year in several regions of France, compared to 26 cases in 2024, for a total of 39 imported cases or cases linked to travel between 2024 and 2025.

  • Children under 5 years of age (12 cases) and young adults (20 cases) are particularly affected.

  • The vast majority of these cases are unvaccinated (23 cases) or have an unknown vaccination status (9 cases).

  • Of the 39 cases reported in 2024 and 2025, 26 were hospitalized, including 11 during the month of January 2025.

Specific recommendations for travelers to Morocco

Whenever you visit a healthcare professional, regardless of the reason, any consultation is an opportunity to check your vaccination status.

In addition to the recommendations of the current vaccination schedule for people born since 1980 and aged at least 12 months, specific recommendations—often overlooked—exist for people traveling to areas with high endemicity, such as Morocco at present.

The vaccine is effective in over 95% of cases after two doses

,

For infants: the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can be administered as early as 6 months of age if traveling, to protect them during their stay. Vaccine-induced immunity begins to develop rapidly within the week following administration of the first dose. These infants should subsequently receive two doses of the trivalent MMR vaccine according to the vaccination schedule (1 dose at 12 months of age, then a second dose between 16 and 18 months).

For individuals born before 1980 who are not protected against measles (with no known history of measles or who have not been previously vaccinated): one dose of MMR vaccine is recommended before departure.

Reminders About Measles Vaccination

In France, all children, adolescents, and young adults born after 1980 must be vaccinated against measles. Vaccination is mandatory before entering childcare settings for all infants born on or after January 1, 2018 (first dose at 12 months and second dose between 16 and 18 months).

For individuals who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, born in or after 1980 and at least 12 months old, a catch-up vaccination is recommended regardless of their history regarding the three diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella—MMR). They may receive two doses with a minimum interval of one month between doses, or even three doses for individuals who received a first dose of the vaccine before the age of 12 months.

Download

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when treating patients returning from countries where measles is circulating

Frequent travel to Morocco is expected due to school vacations and the approach of religious holidays. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals in private practices and emergency departments to be extra vigilant when treating patients with symptoms suggestive of measles who have returned from a trip to Morocco (or a country where measles is circulating).
Due to the highly contagious nature of the measles virus, additional precautions and isolation measures are necessary to limit transmission of the virus in healthcare settings.

Vaccination is recommended for all healthcare professionals who are not immune or whose vaccination or disease history is uncertain, including those born before 1980.

Important to know

  • Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air or by direct contact.

  • The contagious period extends from 5 days before to 5 days after the rash appears.

  • The most severe complications affect infants and young adults (pneumonia, acute encephalitis).

  • There is no specific treatment for the measles virus, and most people recover within 2 to 3 weeks. Measles can cause complications of varying severity: laryngitis, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis, with a risk of death or long-term complications, particularly in unvaccinated young children.

Vaccination Information Service

What are vaccines for? How do they work? At what age should children be vaccinated? Vaccination-info-service.fr answers the most frequently asked questions about vaccination. A separate...

Learn more