Measles on the rise: What does that mean for you as an employer?

Most definitely! Measles is not a harmless childhood disease, but a condition that can lead to serious complications (e.g. lung or brain (membrane) inflammation), in rare cases resulting in death. Some groups are at higher risk of complications, such as babies, young children, pregnant women and those with immunological disorders (e.g. autoimmune diseases).

The disease usually starts as a cold with high fever, coughing, irritated eyes, etc. The best-known symptom is the typical red spots, which appear after 3 to 7 days and can be anywhere on the body.

Measles is highly contagious - more contagious than flu! - and the virus can be transmitted quickly via droplets (e.g. coughing or sneezing) and all forms of contact (e.g. a handshake or through doorknobs). You are contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after the appearance of the rash. The risk of spreading measles is greatest during the cold phase.

You are protected for life if you had measles as a child, or if you received a double vaccination with the free MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. After 2 MMR vaccinations at your GP, at least 1 month apart, you are fully vaccinated. So it’s essential that you inform your employees about the risks of the disease and how important the vaccine is for their health.

You can also take extra measures in the workplace:

• Hygiene: tell your employees it’s best to cough and sneeze into the crease of their elbow - a golden rule from the COVID era. Provide well-ventilated office spaces and disposable tissues.
• Isolation: does an employee have measles? Then that person should not come into contact with unvaccinated or pregnant colleagues, or colleagues with an immunosuppressive disorder.

Some occupations have a higher risk of measles. Consider those who work a lot with children, the elderly, the sick or people with a weakened immune system. This risk also applies to those who regularly interact with people from areas with low vaccination rates (e.g. asylum seekers, immigrants, travellers from certain regions, etc.).

Moreover, measles has only been on the vaccination schedule since 1985. Do you have employees born between 1970 and 1985? If so, they may have had only one vaccine, leaving them with insufficient protection. Encourage them to check their situation with their parents, GP or online. They can also have their blood tested for antibodies.

Vaccinations are safe, effective and can save lives. An infectious disease may have little impact on person A, while it may be life-threatening for person B. Consequently, vaccines protect not only the vaccinated, but also the (vulnerable) people around them. Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild, such as a mild fever or a sore arm.

In the European rise of measles, you as an employer play an important role in protecting your (vulnerable) employees. Ensure good hygiene measures in the workplace to reduce the risk of infection. Also inform your unvaccinated (or insufficiently vaccinated) staff about the risks of measles and the importance of complete vaccination. By acting proactively, you can contribute to their health and that of society in general.