What’s behind the sudden rise in measles deaths in Europe?

Deaths from measles have risen to new heights in Europe in 2016-2017. The rapid spread of the measles virus has led to more than 3,300 cases and 35 deaths in Romania, Italy, Germany and Portugal. The author examines possible reasons for this disturbing development.

Later in July and August 2017 European news sources reported that in the wake of the measles outbreak Italy had decided to introduce compulsory vaccination. Children must be vaccinated against ten illnesses, failing which they would be banned from attending pre-school nurseries and their parents will face fines. In view of a rise in the number of measles cases Romania wanted to introduce a similar law. Does compulsory vaccination make sense?

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: WHO/Europe calls for scaled-up vaccination against measles, February 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/who-europe-calls-for-scaled-up-vaccination-against-measles/

WHO: Europe: Topics: Communicable diseases: Measles and rubella http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/communicable-diseases/measles-and-rubella

WHO: Regional Office for Europe: Press Release, 11.07.17: Measles continues to spread and take lives in Europe http://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2017/measles-continues-to-spread-and-take-lives-in-europe

Euro|Topics: July-August 2017: Romania also wants compulsory vaccination http://www.eurotopics.net/en/183630/romania-also-wants-compulsory-vaccination

The Local.it, 01.08.17: Anti-vaccine protester punches doctor after hotly-contested law gets approved https://www.thelocal.it/20170801/anti-vaccine-protester-punches-doctor-after-hotly-contested-law-gets-approved

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