Dutch adult dies from measles

An adult died this week after contracting measles. The person had a severe immune deficiency.

The patient had been vaccinated, but “we often see that the vaccination does not work properly in the case of an immune disorder,” reports the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

The patient was admitted to hospital two weeks ago with measles. It is not known where the person contracted the disease. For privacy reasons, the RIVM does not want to say where the patient came from or whether it is a man or a woman.

The RIVM emphasizes that it is important that people get vaccinated against measles. "The virus then has no chance to infect people. It also shows that measles is not just a childhood disease; it can also have major consequences for vulnerable adults."