An outbreak of measles in Tenerife is thought to have started with a young British boy, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health. One of the four individuals infected with the highly contagious virus required hospitalization. The British child, who was vacationing on the Spanish island, was identified as the likely source of the outbreak. The confirmation of his illness came after he returned to the UK.
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. Spanish authorities are actively working to contain the spread of the virus and are conducting follow-ups with potentially exposed individuals.
Approximately 95% of the population in the Canary Islands is vaccinated against measles in the first year of life. While the UK had previously eradicated measles in 2016, the World Health Organization revoked the country’s measles elimination status in January of this year due to a resurgence in cases and declining vaccination rates.
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is recommended for individuals born on or before December 31, 2019, who missed receiving the vaccine earlier in life. The vaccine, administered in two doses, offers long-term protection against serious complications such as meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss.
Most individuals are eligible for the MMR vaccine, except for certain groups like pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines. Measles cases in the UK have been increasing steadily this year, with 182 cases reported in May compared to 106 in January. As of June 11, eight cases have been confirmed this month, with a majority occurring in children aged 10 or younger, particularly in London.
The Mirror has contacted the Spanish Ministry of Health for their input on the situation.