In the absence of a sufficient vaccination coverage rate, measles continues to gain ground in Europe. Thus in Italy, just a week ago, the government adopted a decree-law which makes compulsory a dozen vaccines which were until now only recommended, including measles vaccine.
This week, it’s the turn of the German health authorities to take the bull by the horns. A law expected to pass through parliament next week will require nursery school officials to notify authorities if parents refuse to follow vaccination advice. The parents will then incur a fine of 2,500 euros.
The number of measles cases has doubled in one year
“No one can be indifferent to the fact that people keep dying from measles”German Health Minister Hermann Groehe told the Bild newspaper. “This is why we are strengthening the regulations on vaccination”.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of cases of measles registered in Europe doubled in the first two months of the year compared to last year: more than 1,500 cases were reported in 14 European countries.
In France, from January 1 to March 31, 2017, 134 cases have already been detected, i.e. three times more than in 2016 over the same period.
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