Fourth measles case confirmed as Alcantarilla outbreak investigation continues

The latest case involves an adult woman linked to earlier patients, while authorities say the source of infection is still unknown

Health authorities in Murcia have confirmed a fourth case of measles linked to the outbreak detected in Alcantarilla, as contact tracing efforts continue and officials work to identify the original source of the infection.

The latest case involves an adult woman who had contact with one of the first three confirmed patients, two adults and an 11-month-old baby who had not been vaccinated. Health officials say there is a link between the woman and one of these earlier cases.

However, based on when symptoms appeared and the incubation period of the virus, they believe the first three patients did not infect each other. The original source of the outbreak, known as the 'index case', is still unknown.

The Regional Ministry of Health has launched contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed, following standard protocols from Spain's national epidemiological surveillance network. Authorities have also clarified that the outbreak is not linked to a baptism in Alcantarilla, despite the fact that one of the people infected attended the event.

Authorities are urging anyone who is not vaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status to contact their local health centre. This is particularly important for those born after 1978 or people travelling to countries where measles is more common.

Doctors also advise that anyone developing symptoms such as a high fever and a rash should seek medical attention promptly, wearing a mask when attending healthcare services to reduce the risk of transmission.

Experts say the rise in cases is linked to lower vaccination coverage in parts of Eastern Europe, alongside high incidence in countries such as Morocco and other regions worldwide. A major outbreak in Murcia was previously recorded in Jumilla in 2010, with 95 cases, traced back to imported infections from Romania, where vaccination rates are lower.

Health officials continue to emphasise that measles is highly contagious, and that sustained high vaccination coverage, both locally and globally, is essential to prevent further outbreaks.

Read also: Spain sees early surge in measles cases as experts warn of Spring spread risk

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