Measles infections raise slightly in 2018: THL

A total of 16 cases of measles were diagnosed in Finland in 2018 and the number was four higher compared to the previous year, said a press release issued by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on Monday.

The increase in cases of measles reflects the epidemic situation in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Measles infections that were contracted abroad mainly spread within families. The greatest risk for a wider epidemic was in Ostrobothnia, where a non-vaccinated child was infected in an area with low vaccine coverage.

An epidemic situation, however was not occur due to rapid and effective preventive measures.

“People travel a lot, which is why infectious diseases also spread more easily and more rapidly across borders. Nevertheless, travelling and migration have not significantly increased the number of infectious diseases in Finland if we look at the big picture. This shows that our system for controlling infectious diseases works”, said Taneli Puumalainen, Chief Physician and Head of the Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit.

In total, 79 cases of tick-borne encephalitis were reported to the National Infectious Diseases Register in 2018. This is almost as many cases as in 2017. The number of cases has been on the rise for several years.

Last year, infections were mainly diagnosed in known risk areas, but a significant rise was identified in a specific area in the southwestern corner of Lake Lohjanjärvi. The area was included in the National Immunization Program this year.