The number of measles cases in Turkey rose by a factor of 10 last year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). With neighbouring Syria also facing an outbreak and millions of tourists visiting Turkish holiday resorts this summer, the region is looking like one of Europe’s most serious measles hotspots.
In 2012, the number of measles cases in Turkey was approximately 700 but this shot up to more than 7,000 last year.
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The southern provinces of the country, many of which are popular with tourists, are reported to be badly affected.
Meanwhile, the situation is Syria remains volatile. Concern about the spread of polio continues amid rising fears that warm weather will facilitate measles transmission.
The fight against measles is a serious concern as the disease continues to spread in Europe and makes an unwelcome return to the US.