Concerns over infectious disease are rising globally, with recent reports highlighting both a cluster of Nipah virus cases in India and a resurgence of measles in Europe, including Spain. While the risk of Nipah virus reaching Spain is considered low, health experts are more concerned about increasing measles cases linked to declining vaccination rates.
Nipah Virus: Low Risk to Spain
The Nipah virus, first detected in 1999, has recently resurfaced in India, prompting international attention. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals, particularly pigs, and currently has no specific vaccine or treatment. , the Spanish government, following a report from the Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies, considers the probability of an autochthonous (locally acquired) case in Spain to be “remote.”
Bárbara González, an environmental epidemiologist and public health expert at the European University, explained that strict import controls and robust surveillance systems in Spain make a significant impact from the virus unlikely. “The risk of the Nipah virus reaching Spain is ‘low, leaning towards very low’,” she stated. The virus’s transmission route, primarily through animal contact, is also less prevalent in Spain compared to regions where the recent Indian outbreak originated.
Measles Resurgence: A Growing Concern in Spain and Europe
While the threat from Nipah virus appears contained, the situation with measles is causing greater concern among health officials. Spain has recorded 624 measles cases over the past two years, with approximately 400 cases reported in alone. This represents a significant increase from the 15 cases recorded during the same period in the previous year.
The rise in measles cases is attributed to a decline in vaccination rates, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and incomplete adherence to the triple viral vaccine schedule. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for sustaining herd immunity, especially within vulnerable populations like those in early childhood education settings.
Spain had previously eliminated measles in , but is now considered one of the most affected countries in Europe. The Ministry of Health has responded by advancing the administration of the final vaccine dose to two years of age, aiming to bolster protection before children enter school.
European Context: Loss of Measles-Free Status
Spain is not alone in facing a measles resurgence. Six European countries – Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan – have recently lost their measles-free status, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). A country loses this status when sustained measles transmission is re-established for more than a year.
According to the WHO, measles often serves as an early indicator of weaknesses in vaccination programs. The agency emphasizes the need for increased political and financial commitment to strengthen surveillance, improve outbreak response, and reach under-vaccinated communities. In , England recorded 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, the highest annual total since . As of early , 957 cases have been reported in England, with the majority occurring in children under the age of 10.
The situation in Spain mirrors this trend, with cases rising year on year. Government data shows that the 400 cases registered in doubled the number recorded in , and represent a sharp increase from the 11 cases seen in .
Health authorities are urging individuals to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations. Maintaining high vaccination rates remains the most effective strategy for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. The Ministry of Health is warning that the risk of exposure to the measles virus will continue to rise in the coming months.
