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The Ministry of Health recommends strengthening surveillance and vaccination against measles after confirming 229 cases so far in 2025.
The Ministry of Health reaffirms the need to increase vaccination coverage and epidemiological surveillance in the face of the growing risk of measles, with special attention to outbreaks imported from Morocco.
By
Newsroom Infobae
May 18, 2025, 9:31 PM CST
The Ministry of Health urged this Saturday to strengthen surveillance and vaccination in the face of the global increase in measles cases in several countries, according to an update of the Rapid Risk Assessment issued by the Center for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES).
So far in 2025, Spain has confirmed 229 cases (78 imported, of which 78.2% originate in Morocco; 78 related to imports; and 73 of unknown origin).
Furthermore, within the framework of the Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Rubella 2021-2025, a document of recommendations for healthcare professionals has been published. Its objective is to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, update vaccinations, and improve response capacity to suspected cases, especially in the run-up to the summer, when travel from countries with active circulation of the virus increases.
The department headed by Mónica García has highlighted that, since 2022, a "worrying increase" in measles cases has been detected worldwide, a trend that will continue in 2023, 2024 and early 2025: "In the European Union (EU), more than 16,500 cases were recorded in 2024, 72% of them reported by Romania, the most affected country," she stated.
Furthermore, they have warned that Morocco is facing one of the most significant outbreaks, with more than 25,000 suspected cases and 184 deaths reported since its beginning in October 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
For its part, Spain was certified as a measles-free country in 2016, a status it maintains to date thanks to vaccination coverage of 97.8% with one dose and 94.2% with two doses.
However, according to the latest report from the National Epidemiology Center, 408 suspected cases of measles have been reported as of May 11, of which 229 cases have been confirmed (78 imported, of which 78.2% originate from Morocco; 78 related to importation; and 73 of unknown origin).
At the same time, 178 cases have been ruled out and one remains under investigation, while there are currently seven open outbreaks in four autonomous communities.
"These figures reflect a significant increase compared to previous years, showing that the resumption of mobility after the pandemic has increased the risk of imported cases," the ministry stressed, adding that as long as the high incidence rate continues in some countries around Spain, cases and outbreaks are expected to continue appearing in populations that lack immunity to the disease.
However, they have also stated that, despite the increased likelihood of exposure, the risk of infection for the general population in Spain is still considered low due to the high vaccination coverage in our country.
STRENGTHEN VACCINATION AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Health authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage above 95% for both doses and strengthening vaccination strategies, especially those targeting population groups where adequate vaccination coverage is difficult to achieve.
According to the latest seroprevalence report, the Spanish population born before 1978 is considered protected because they have contracted the disease, while the rest of the population should take advantage of any contact with the healthcare system to review their vaccination status and follow the instructions of their healthcare professional.
The need to strengthen early detection of suspected cases, thorough investigation of outbreaks and contacts, and the immediate implementation of control measures, particularly in healthcare facilities and for travelers from high-incidence areas, is also emphasized.
"Genomic surveillance of the virus continues to be a fundamental pillar for verifying the elimination of the virus and tracing the origin of imported cases," the government stated.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In its recommendations section, the Ministry of Health has highlighted the importance of ensuring vaccination coverage of over 95% with both doses of the MMR vaccine, especially among children and at-risk groups, and developing specific strategies aimed at groups with low vaccination coverage, with the aim of reducing the number of people unprotected against the virus.
There has also been a call to take advantage of every contact with health services to review and update vaccination status, taking into account age and risk factors, especially for people traveling to countries with a high incidence of measles. This also includes strengthening epidemiological surveillance, ensuring adequate clinical and laboratory diagnosis, along with genomic surveillance of suspected cases.
This list also includes the need to strengthen health surveillance at borders, transportation, and healthcare facilities, especially through the Foreign Health Department in coordination with other authorities, and to improve the training and awareness of healthcare personnel about measles, with an emphasis on early diagnosis, protective measures, case management, and review of their own vaccination status.
Finally, it has been recommended to promote information campaigns aimed at the general population, focusing on prevention, symptom recognition, and response to potential cases compatible with the disease.
https://www.infobae.com/america/age...ras-confirmar-229-casos-en-lo-que-va-de-2025/
