Headlines - Measles Outbreak in France. Updated Surveillance Data as of January 15, 2013

Since the spring of 2008, France has experienced a large-scale measles outbreak, which has unfolded in three successive waves totaling more than 23,000 reported cases (Figure). In 2011, 14,966 cases were reported, of which 714 developed severe pneumonia, 16 had neurological complications, and 6 died. In 2012, 859 cases were reported, including 32 cases of severe pneumonia and 3 cases of encephalitis, but no deaths. Despite the decline in the number of cases since the spring, the virus continues to circulate, particularly in the southwestern departments (Figure). In our regions, 2 cases were reported in 2012 in Burgundy and 13 in Franche-Comté, including 2 hospitalizations. Updating vaccination status with 2 doses of vaccine for anyone aged 12 months or older and born after 1980 is therefore still recommended.