At least 55 people have been infected with the measles virus this year, according to the Flemish Healthcare department. Of those cases, 23 occurred in Antwerp.

The most recent figures date from 4 April, but there have been more cases reported in recent days, so the actual numbers are higher.

On Thursday morning, the Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom (ZAS) hospital in Antwerp reported that 15 children had presented with the virus in recent weeks, with two being treated in intensive care. More children have been infected this year than in the whole of 2024.

“It’s mainly people who have not been vaccinated or have not been sufficiently vaccinated who are at risk,” said Healthcare department spokesperson Joris Moonens. His department and hospitals are calling on people to check their vaccination status and, if necessary, get a free vaccination from their GP. 

“Measles is just about the most contagious disease we know”

In Flanders, all children are offered a measles shot at one year of age and a repeat between the ages of seven and nine. People aged between 30 and 45 are advised to check their status, as this age group often received only one vaccination as a child. 

“We see a growing group of children who are not getting a measles vaccination or second shot,” Daan Van Brusselen, paediatric infection specialist at ZAS and Antwerp University, told VRT. 

“This is dangerous because it means measles can circulate in nurseries and affect the very young, who are still too young for a vaccine. Measles is just about the most contagious disease we know.”

Those infected with measles can suffer from high fever, coughing and inflamed eyes, as well as a severe rash over the whole body. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. Two unvaccinated children died from the disease in the US this month.