A Moroccan variant of the measles virus, genotype B3, has been detected in high concentrations in Brussels sewage, researchers from KU Leuven reported. The virus, linked to an ongoing outbreak in Morocco, has been on the rise across Europe, with cases already reported in the Netherlands, Spain, and France. In Brussels, although only 18 cases have been reported in 2025, experts believe the actual number is higher, as many cases may go unreported. Morocco has seen over 25,000 measles cases since late 2023, resulting in 120 deaths. Researchers warn of serious complications from measles, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and urge people to check their vaccination status. The virus has been spreading rapidly in Europe, with Belgium reporting 551 cases between February 2024 and January 2025. In Flanders, 34 measles cases were reported by the end of February, already nearing the total for 2023. Health officials emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further outbreaks. For the record, the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said last week that 17 out of 45 new measles cases contracted the virus while in Morocco. In Spain, 107 confirmed measles cases were reported in the first eight weeks of 2025, across eight active clusters in various regions. Spanish health authorities have indicated that 34% of confirmed cases in Spain this year are linked to imported infections, primarily from Morocco and Romania. In France, health authorities reported 13 cases of measles imported or linked to imports after a stay in Morocco since January 1, 2025, across several regions.
