Measles cases in Split-Dalmatia County (a Croatian tourist region), in May–July 2019: outbreak report and lessons learnt

Abstract

Abstract Background Measles elimination was accomplished in Croatia in 2016. Split-Dalmatia County, with population of ca. 425 000 inhabitants, is among the most important Croatian tourist areas with numerous seasonal workers coming during summer months. In both 2018 and 2019, more than 3 million tourists visited this county. In 2000–2018, there were no measles cases in this county, or their number was low (1–3 cases per year). Methods After measles was clinically suspected, all contacts were traced and contacted. Detection of specific IgM/IgG antibodies and real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction detection of viral RNA were used for laboratory confirmation. Sequencing and genotyping were performed for strains’ molecular epidemiology analysis. Results Six epidemiologically unlinked measles virus occurrences happened in Split-Dalmatia County in 15 May–19 July 2019. Causative viral strains belonged to genotypes B3 and D8. Four were single imported cases. Ten patients belonged to two separate clusters within domicile population. Multiple individual and public health measures were implemented. In total, 483 contacts were identified, 64.2% within healthcare system where two persons contracted the disease. Conclusions Besides the importance of timely vaccination of children, the lessons learned from this outbreak point to the need of stricter implementation of other aspects of Croatian measles prevention programme, such as checking of vaccination status in early adulthood. Despite the fact that measles elimination within domicile population in this tourist region has been accomplished and maintained for years, continuous public health workers’ efforts are still necessary for identification and diminishment of populational pockets of susceptibility.