New Measles Variant from Morocco Detected in Brussels Wastewater

Genotype B3. This is the name of the new measles variant, originating from Morocco, recently detected in the wastewater of Brussels. After a study conducted by KU Leuven, researchers observed a high concentration of the virus in recent weeks, with a notable peak on March 11, 2025, reports Belga. Only 18 cases of measles have been recorded this year, according to data from the Brussels health institute Vivalis. This figure could underestimate the scale of the epidemic, estimates Elke Wollants, laboratory manager at the Rega Instituut of KU Leuven.

In Morocco, the measles epidemic has reached a historic level and totals more than 25,000 suspected cases and 120 deaths since the end of 2023. In France, "13 imported or import-related cases following a stay in Morocco have been reported since the beginning of the year in several regions in France, compared to 26 cases in 2024, for a total of 39 imported or import-related cases between 2024 and 2025," Public Health France (SPF) said in a press release published on Friday, February 14. The Netherlands is not spared: 45 cases have been reported in just two weeks.

According to a report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), between February 2024 and January 2025, 551 cases were recorded in Belgium, making it one of the countries most affected by the disease. It ranks 4th in Europe for the number of infections.

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection characterized by high fever, cough, rhinopharyngitis and severe conjunctivitis, followed by a skin rash. To prevent this contagious disease, researchers reiterate the importance of vaccination, which is free of charge.