Traveller information Measles
What is measles?
Measles is an infectious disease caused by the measles virus. One person with
measles can infect as many as 12 to 18 others. Measles is therefore one of the most
contagious infectious diseases. You get the disease from someone infected with measles
via coughing and sneezing. The infectious droplets released through coughing and sneezing
can remain airborne for another 2 hours. You are contagious from 4 days before to
4 days after the spots appear.
Where does measles occur?
Measles occurs worldwide in several countries. At www.lcr.nl can be found on the
page ‘Advice by Country’ the advice by country and whether the risk of measles is higher there.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles often starts with fever, coughing and sneezing. Then red spots appear on
the face and body, and white spots may appear in the mouth. Usually, the
symptoms go away by themselves. Sometimes the disease progresses more severely, with complications such as a
pneumonia or encephalitis. In rare cases, this can lead to death.
Young children in particular can get very sick.
How can you prevent measles?
Measles is highly contagious. Only general hygiene measures, such as frequenting your
washing hands with soap and coughing into your elbow, are not enough to make yourself and
protect others. There is a vaccine against measles: the BMR vaccine. This vaccine
Also protects against mumps and rubella. The BMR vaccination is included in the
National Vaccination Programme. Children are offered a BMR jab twice: the
first when they are 14 months old and the second usually when they are 3 years old. The vaccination
offers lifetime protection.
Measles vaccination
Are you travelling to a country with a high risk of measles? Then you can get the BMR vaccine
get if you are not already protected against measles. For adults, one jab is
sufficient for lifetime protection. Young children and employees in the
Health services are offered 2 pricks.
If you have ever had measles, you are protected for life and vaccination is not necessary.
- Were you born before 1965?
Then you have most probably already had measles. You are protected for life.
Vaccination is not necessary. - Were you born in the Netherlands between 1965 and 1975?
The measles vaccine was not then in the National Vaccination Programme. Also
less measles occurred, so not all children went through the disease anymore.
Check if you have had measles. If you have not had measles, you will be
measles vaccination recommended. - Were you born in the Netherlands in 1975, 1976 and 1977?
From 1975, vaccination was offered in the National Vaccination Programme. Many
children born between 1975 and 1977 have measles vaccination
received, but not all. Check that you have had the vaccination. If you have not
have been vaccinated, a vaccination is recommended. - Were you born in the Netherlands after 1977 and had the vaccination?
Then you are protected for life and no vaccination is needed. - Were you born in the Netherlands after 1977 and have not had a vaccination?
If so, you are not protected and a vaccination is recommended. - Were you born outside the Netherlands from 1965 onwards?
You may have had measles or have been vaccinated against measles. Discuss this
with the traveller's advisor.
Children from 6 to 14 months old
Young children aged 6 to 14 months can get the BMR vaccination earlier if they are
travel to a country where measles is high. Does a child get the jab before the first
birthday? Then the shot at 14 months via the National Vaccination Programme is still
needed.
When can you not get the measles vaccine?
The vaccine cannot be given if you are pregnant, have an immune disorder
or in some other cases. Discuss with the traveller's advisor whether vaccination
possible.
In conclusion
Think you might have measles while travelling or if you have just returned to the Netherlands?
If so, call a doctor immediately. Stay at home to avoid infecting others. Tell the
(home) doctor always that you have been abroad.
You can find more information about measles and what you can do on the RIVM website
If you think measles is involved.
With a contagious spot disease, such as measles, travelling by plane is not
allowed. Ask your doctor when you can safely travel again.
See also www.lcr.nl for further information
Download the leaflet below!
Last update: February 2026
