Holidaymakers are being advised to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage for trip disruptions caused by whooping cough and rising measles cases.
Increases in whooping cough have been reported since mid-2023 in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Norway, with particular increases this year in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 60,000 cases of pertussis between January and March 2024 compared with 25,000 in the whole of 2023, a ten fold increase on the ten year average.
Five infants died in England and there was a significant rise in cases in Ireland
The ECDC warns that infants under six months are at the highest risk for whooping cough.
Travel insurance companies have asked holiday makers to ensure coverage for contagious diseases, vaccinations, medical expenses, cancellations, and curtailments for international travel, including cruises and long-haul trips.
