Spotlight on measles 2010: Update on the ongoing measles outbreak in France, 2008-2010

Since early 2008, France has been experiencing a measles outbreak with almost 5,000 notified cases as of 30 June 2010, including three measles-related deaths. The proportion of cases 20 years or older reached 38% during the first half of 2010. This situation is the consequence of insufficient vaccine coverage (90% at age 24 months in 2007) that led to the accumulation of susceptibles over the last years. It underlines the need for additional measures targeting susceptible children and young adults.