top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Fatal Europe measles spread prompts vaccination calls

The World Health Organisation has reiterated the importance of vaccination against measles, as cases of the disease reach record-breaking levels in Europe, including three deaths this year in France.

Since January 2018, the WHO has confirmed 41,000 cases of the virus, which is extremely contagious and can cause death. Symptoms include a high fever, severe cough, extreme fatigue and skin lesions.

One person can infect 20 people, as the virus is spread through the air. While patients will receive pain relief and other treatments to help their symptoms, there is no treatment for the virus itself.

The organisation states that 95% of a given population must be vaccinated against an illness to ensure nationwide immunity. France is at just 80%.

In France, three people have died since January this year, including a 32-year-old mother, who contracted the virus from sick patients in the Poitiers CHU while visiting to fill in some paperwork for her ill father.

Doctors have said that many parents in France appear to be afraid of vaccination; although since January 1 2018, vaccination against measles has been mandatory for all children (along with 10 other vaccinations).

The vaccination was not previously mandatory.

One doctor, Jean-Louis Bavoux, told news source France Info: “I meet more and more parents who are afraid of the hypothetical harmful effects of vaccinations against measles. According to them, it can cause neurological problems or disfigurement.”

Dr Bavoux said that he has had parents and children visit his doctor surgery, who go away “to think about it”, and then never return for the actual vaccinations.

Benoît, a father in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, who is vaccinated along with his children, said: “I find [non-vaccination] stupid. It endangers the lives of others, including people's own children, who themselves could endanger the lives of others. It’s reckless."

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France