A British boy is suspected to be the source of a measles outbreak in Tenerife, as reported by the Spanish ministry of health. The outbreak, involving four individuals, resulted in one person needing hospitalization due to the highly contagious virus. The British child, who visited the Spanish island for a few days, was confirmed to have measles upon returning to the UK. The other three cases linked to the initial one are believed to have had contact with each other.
The individuals affected, aged between 45 and 55, were reportedly unvaccinated against measles. Efforts are underway by Spanish authorities to contain the virus spread, with contact tracing being conducted among potentially exposed individuals.
While approximately 95% of the Canary Islands population is vaccinated against measles in infancy, the UK lost its measles elimination status in January, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This change came after a resurgence of cases in 2024 and declining vaccination rates below 95%.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended for individuals born on or before December 31, 2019, who missed the childhood vaccination. Administered in two doses for long-term immunity, the MMR vaccine guards against serious complications like meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss.
Measles cases in the UK have been increasing this year, with 182 cases reported in May compared to 106 in January. The most recent data, as of June 11, shows eight confirmed cases this month, primarily affecting children aged 10 or younger, with a significant portion in London.
The Daily Mirror has reached out to the Spanish ministry of health for comments on the situation.