An outbreak of measles in Tenerife is suspected to have originated from a British child, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health. The outbreak has affected four individuals, with one requiring hospitalization due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. The British child, who was on vacation on the Spanish island, was identified as the source of the outbreak.
Upon returning to the UK, the child’s illness was confirmed by the Spanish health authorities. The other three cases linked to the initial one are believed to have had contact with each other. None of the individuals involved are vaccinated against measles and are aged between 45 and 55, as reported by canariasahora. Efforts are underway by Spanish authorities to contain the spread of the virus and trace individuals who may have been in contact with the infected individuals.
While approximately 95% of the population in the Canary Islands is immunized against measles in infancy, the UK lost its measles-free status in 2016. The World Health Organization declared the UK had lost its elimination status in January this year due to a rise in cases and declining vaccination rates.
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is recommended by the NHS for individuals born on or before December 31, 2019, who missed the vaccine earlier in life. Administered in two doses, the vaccine provides long-term protection against severe complications such as meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss associated with the diseases.
Measles cases have been increasing in the UK this year, with 182 cases reported in May compared to 106 in January. Data as recent as June 11 reveals eight confirmed cases this month, predominantly affecting children aged 10 or under, with more than half of the cases concentrated in London.
The Mirror has reached out to the Spanish Ministry of Health for further comments on the situation.
