Measles outbreak warning for Spain holidays as cases double in tourist hotspot

Cases of measles in Alcantarilla, Murcia have doubled since an outbreak was declared earlier this month, prompting a warning for families travelling to the Spanish tourist hotspot

Families planning holidays abroad have been issued an urgent warning following a measles outbreak in a popular Spanish tourist destination.

The alert comes as cases in Alcantarilla, Murcia, have doubled since an outbreak was officially declared earlier this month.

The region’s ministry of health has confirmed eight cases of the highly contagious illness.

Four cases, including three adults and a baby, had been identified by last Thursday.

Measles is regarded as one of the most contagious diseases in the world, spreading through coughs and sneezes with a contagion rate of nearly 100 per cent.

According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), it is a “serious disease that can lead to complications and even death”.

The first case was confirmed in the Spanish region on May 5, according to authorities.

Initially, the time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis took up to two weeks in these cases.

This has since been reduced to just four days after symptoms first appear.

Officials confirmed that four of the patients contracted the illness following contact with another infected individual, though no further details about those affected have been made available.

Authorities have managed to curb the spread of the disease by tracing the chain of infection.

Health minister Juan Jose Pedreño said that control efforts carried out by the Epidemiology Service have ensured the outbreak has not got “out of hand”. It was originally believed the outbreak stemmed from a baptism celebration in Alcantarilla, though this has now been discounted.

More than 6,000 measles cases were recorded across Europe over the past year, with roughly a third occurring in children under the age of five.

During the 12-month period spanning February last year to this January, six people lost their lives to the disease.

The preceding year recorded 7,655 cases, with eight proving fatal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children under five face particular risk from measles, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures should it spread to other areas of the body.

The most effective way to safeguard yourself and your children is through vaccination.