Measles outbreak in Belgium, no penalties for anti-vaxxers

Belgium is experiencing a measles outbreak, especially in Wallonia, write various Belgian media. The World Health Organization (WHO) last month warned that the disease was spreading across Europe, especially in areas where vaccination rates are falling.

The German government has responded proactively, doling out fines of up to €2,500 to parents who refuse to vaccinate their child. "In Belgium, we don't need to go that far, as our vaccination rate is still well above 95%,” says virologist Marc Van Ranst. “While refusing vaccination is socially irresponsible, we're not yet at the point of fining anti-vaxxers. Vaccination here is accessible and free, thanks to the work of Child & Family.”

The Walloon health agency Agence pour une Vie de Qualité (AVIQ) reported 293 measles cases in Wallonia so far this year. Of these, 115 patients had to be hospitalised, but none of the cases were fatal. The number puts Wallonia at the bottom of the heap when it coms to European countries with the biggest measles outbreaks, including Italy, Romania, France and Poland.