Measles Outbreak Warning in Ski Resorts

austria, switzerland, italy - Belgian government warns travelers to check vaccination status before heading to the snow due to measles outbreak in ski resorts.

Measles Outbreak in European Ski Resorts

Belgian government advises travelers to check vaccination status as measles cases surge in popular ski destinations in Austria, Switzerland, or Italy. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, causes fever and red skin rash. Children under 10 are at the highest risk, but adults can also suffer severe illness.

Infants between 6 and 14 months are particularly vulnerable to measles as they are not yet vaccinated during this period. Maintaining a vaccination rate of at least 95% is crucial to protect vulnerable populations. In the Netherlands, the vaccination rate is 88.8%, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Recent measles cases in ski areas like Dachstein in Austria and Kirchberg in Tirol have sparked concerns. In 2024, the Netherlands reported over 200 measles cases, with most linked to travel abroad. By 2025, 26 patients have been reported, primarily contracting the virus in Morocco and Romania.