THE World Health Organization has urged tighter controls on immunisations, after 35 deaths across Europe in the last 12 months due to measles outbreaks.
Thousands of cases were recorded across the continent, with the latest death being a six year old boy in Italy.
"Every death or disability caused by this vaccine-preventable disease is an unacceptable tragedy," said WHO regional director for Europe, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab.
"We are very concerned that although a safe, effective and affordable vaccine is available, measles remains a leading cause of death among children worldwide."
Although measles is highly contagious and there is no treatment, two doses of vaccine can prevent infection and herd immunity can be achieved if about 95% of the population is immunised.
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