Major Measles Outbreak in Alicante: 16 Confirmed Cases Among Office Workers
Major Measles Outbreak in Alicante: 16 Confirmed Cases Among Office Workers
A significant measles outbreak among adults has been confirmed in the province of Alicante (Valencian Community). According to the General Directorate of Public Health (DGSP) of the Valencian Ministry of Health, the outbreak occurred within a workplace setting — employees of two companies located in the same building in Alicante city.
As of 6 February 2026, a total of 28 suspected cases have been analysed:
- 16 confirmed positive by laboratory testing;
- 3 confirmed negative;
- 9 remain under investigation.
Initially, around 30 affected individuals were reported within a single workplace group. Infected individuals reside not only in Alicante but also in neighbouring municipalities, including Elche, Elda, Torrevieja, and others across the province.
Authorities responded swiftly: emergency vaccination was administered to exposed staff and colleagues, and epidemiological monitoring has begun for approximately 500 people who may have had contact with infected individuals. The goal is to interrupt viral transmission as quickly as possible.
Measles Returns to Spain
The Alicante outbreak reflects an alarming trend. In 2025, Spain officially confirmed 397 measles cases (out of 971 suspected), significantly exceeding previous years (227 cases in 2024). Many affected individuals are adults aged 35–45 years who either did not complete the full childhood vaccination schedule or were never vaccinated. A substantial proportion of cases are linked to imported infection from other countries.
In January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed Spain from its list of countries where measles has been eliminated, due to renewed endemic (sustained local) transmission.
Symptoms and Risks
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Key symptoms include:
- high fever (up to 40–41 °C);
- severe cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis;
- characteristic rash covering the entire body;
- white spots on the oral mucosa (Koplik’s spots — an important early sign).
In unvaccinated adults and children, measles often progresses severely and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, otitis media, and even death.
Expert Recommendations
The Valencian Ministry of Health and epidemiologists urge all residents to verify their vaccination status — especially if uncertain about having received two doses of measles vaccine (typically MMR: measles, mumps, rubella). Adults without immunity are strongly advised to get vaccinated.
The situation remains under control, but health professionals warn that without high levels of community immunity, measles could spread rapidly.
Sources: Valencian Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, reports from Informacion.es, Cadena SER, Levante-EMV, La Razón (February 2026).