12b - Measles outbreak in a mass reception centre for refugees in Berlin, Germany, April-May 2024: A call for better protection of newly arriving refugees
Fireside Abstracts
Information
Background : In spring 2024, a measles outbreak occurred in a reception centre for refugees from Ukraine and asylum seekers from other countries in Berlin, Germany. Unlike asylum seekers, refugees from Ukraine were not offered immunisation upon arrival. No transmission occurred outside the reception centre. We describe the outbreak focusing on the population at risk, transmission conditions, control measures, and public health lessons to improve protection for newly arriving refugees.
Methods : We used data on socio-demographics, vaccination status, and clinical symptoms from the local health authority, the surveillance system, and administrative information from the centre operator. Cases were residents and staff with laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically linked measles and symptom onset between 28/3-27/5/2024. The national reference centre performed laboratory confirmation and genotyping of clinical specimens.
Results : 52 cases were reported, including 51 refugees from Ukraine and one staff member, 54% females. Median age was 14.5 years (0-66, interquartile range: 5.75-33.2). Of these, 36 (69%) had no documented measles vaccination. 37 (71%) were PCR-confirmed, genotype D8 8782 was detected in 27 samples. All cases reported rash and fever, with 5 hospitalisations (2 for pneumonia). No deaths occurred. As a control measure, 2,541 of 6,922 individuals present during the outbreak were vaccinated due to lacking documented/presumed immunity.
Conclusions : The impact and duration of the measles outbreak was limited given the number of exposed people and crowded living conditions, underscoring the importance of prompt mass vaccination as a control measure. In the context of possible crisis-related low vaccination coverage in conflict settings and measles elimination goals, this outbreak highlights the need for host countries to offer recommended vaccinations to all reception centre residents upon arrival, regardless of their origin or residence status.
