Update on Measles Surveillance Data in France, January 2014

From January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013, more than 23,300 cases of measles were reported in France (including nearly 15,000 cases reported in 2011 alone). Nearly 1,500 cases developed severe pneumonia, 34 had neurological complications (31 cases of encephalitis, 1 case of myelitis, and 2 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome), and 10 died.Although the number of cases dropped sharply in 2012 and 2013 (859 and 272 reported cases, respectively), the virus continues to circulate, particularly in southeastern France. We must therefore remain vigilant and continue to ensure that vaccination status is up to date with two doses of vaccine for anyone aged 12 months or older and born after 1980.