Measles outbreak on a cruise ship in the western Mediterranean, February 2014, preliminary report

Abstract

A measles outbreak occurred in February 2014 on a ship cruising the western Mediterranean Sea. Overall 27 cases were reported: 21 crew members, four passengers. For two cases the status crew or passenger was unknown. Genotype B3 was identified. Because of different nationalities of cases and persons on board, the event qualified as a cross-border health threat. The Italian Ministry of Health coordinated rapid response. Alerts were posted through the Early Warning and Response System.