France, Measles cases linked to Moroccan outbreak rising

French health authorities have reported a significant increase in the number of imported cases of measles since the beginning of the year, attributed to the ongoing outbreak in Morocco. According to the Regional Health Agency, 13 imported or related measles cases from Morocco have been recorded in several French regions since the beginning of 2025, for a total of 39 imported or related cases. The virus has primarily affected children under five years of age and young adults, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals who were unvaccinated. The disease caused serious complications in 26 cases, requiring hospitalization between 2024 and 2025. In light of the high virulence of the disease, French health authorities advocate vaccination as a pivotal preventive measure, emphasising the completion of the vaccination series, particularly in cases of incomplete vaccination. This is achieved by administering a double dose of the vaccine if the first administration occurred before 12 months of age, or a triple dose in such cases. It is noteworthy that in France, measles vaccination is mandatory for all children, adolescents, and young adults born after 1980.