France has been facing a measles epidemic since January 1, 2008, especially among children under one. 2,800 cases have been reported since that date. In 2009, 1,600 people were infected and there have been 650 documented cases since January 1 of this year.
According to the l’nstitut de veille sanitaire (InVS), the virus has gotten worse this year.
The people most affected are babies less than one year old but the virus also affects teens and young adults.
Outbreaks of the virus are mainly reported in schools, daycares and even among people who travel. Vaccination is now a priority in France. Immunization campaigns will be held from April 23.
"This probably reflects better reporting of cases, but it largely reflects the spread of the virus and an increase in the number of foci of clustered cases. These outbreaks are the result of an inadequate and patchy coverage in France, the gradual accumulation of non-immune leading to pockets of susceptible to the virus," says InVS.
A plan was put in place in 2005 to eradicate this disease in France. Its first objective was to get 95% of children under two vaccinated against the measles.