Belgium Urges Travelers to Update Vaccines Amid Measles Outbreaks in Morocco, Romania

The Brussels health administration Vivalis reminds holidaymakers that they must get their vaccines in order before departure due to the resurgence of measles cases, particularly since May in the capital and in other countries such as Morocco and Romania. These two countries are among the favorite destinations of Belgians. As a reminder, Morocco has been facing a measles epidemic since September 2023. Until March, nearly 25,000 suspected cases including 6,300 confirmed cases and 120 deaths have already been recorded.

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection characterized by high fever, cough, significant rhinopharyngitis and conjunctivitis, followed by a skin rash. To prevent this contagious disease, researchers reiterate the importance of vaccination, which is also free. The only effective protection against measles remains vaccination in two doses with the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine, Vivalis reminds in a statement.

The Brussels health administration insists on the importance of checking one’s vaccination status before any holiday departure and reminds of the presence of seven travel clinics in Brussels. "Consultations are provided by doctors and pediatricians specialized in tropical medicine and travel medicine. The objective of this service is to inform the traveler about the risks inherent to the trips they have planned and to provide them with the most appropriate advice, vaccinations and prophylaxis."