Measles Cases Surge in Southern France, Linked to Moroccan Outbreak

Since January, 21 cases have been recorded in PACA, which represents a third of the French cases. Among these cases, 14 concern adults. Nearly 30% of infected people were hospitalized, and some developed neurological or respiratory complications.

The Alpes-Maritimes are the most affected department (9 cases), followed by Bouches-du-Rhône (7 cases). An epidemic focus was identified in early February at the Thiers high school in Marseille, where five cases were confirmed. The Var has three cases.

In the face of this situation, the ARS insists on the importance of vaccination. "In this context, the ARS PACA reminds the importance of verifying one’s vaccination status and, if necessary, catching up on vaccination in accordance with the recommendations," the agency specifies. This recommendation concerns the entire population, children and adults, and particularly people traveling to or returning from countries where measles is actively circulating, such as Morocco.

The measles vaccine has been mandatory since 2018. The ARS reminds that measles is "ten times more contagious than the flu".