Measles case confirmed in Lisbon: More than 400 contacts identified

Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon confirmed that a case of measles had been detected in a man who had not been vaccinated against measles. Health officials have identified more than 400 people who may have come into contact with the patient.

The development, which was announced to the public on Thursday night, October 8, is especially important for people visiting hospital emergency rooms.

However, the number of contacts determined does not mean that more than 400 people caught measles.

The patient applied to the emergency department of two different hospitals.

According to information confirmed to Renascença by Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria, the patient was admitted to the emergency departments of Hospital de Santa Maria and Hospital Lusíadas Lisboa on October 3, 4 and 6.

Health agencies began investigating possible contacts associated with these visits.

As of the night of October 8, more than 400 contact persons had been identified.

This number shows the situation at that stage of the contact investigation. It may have changed later.

Why is measles taken seriously?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection.

The disease may appear with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, redness of the eyes and characteristic skin rash.

It can cause pneumonia and other serious complications in some patients.

Especially unvaccinated people and immune-sensitive groups may be at higher risk.

Being in contact does not mean being sick

health The purpose of authorities conducting contact investigation is to prevent the spread of infection.

Identifying a person as a contact does not indicate that that person has been diagnosed with measles.

Necessary health measures are determined by evaluating the time and duration of contact, the person's immune status and other conditions.

Therefore, it would be wrong to present the number of contacts as the number of confirmed cases.

What should people who go to the hospital do?

People who have been to the relevant emergency services on the specified dates and are considered contacts by health authorities must follow the instructions given to them.

If symptoms consistent with measles develop, seeking health guidance via SNS 24 before going directly to a crowded waiting area may reduce the risk of transmission.

SNS 24 line can be reached at 808 24 24 24.

People who are unsure of their vaccination history can also have their status checked at health centers.

How is the measles vaccine administered in Portugal?

Portugal's Programa Nacional de Vacinação program has the VASPR vaccine, which protects against measles.

The vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Since the vaccination schedule may vary depending on age and previous vaccination status, the completion of missing doses should be evaluated by healthcare professionals.

Has a general epidemic been declared in Lisbon?

Information confirmed on the night of October 8 included a case of measles and Identification of more than 400 contacts.

Based on this statement, it cannot be concluded that hundreds of people have become ill throughout Lisbon or that a new city-wide epidemic has been declared.

Subsequent epidemiological assessments by health authorities will reveal the results of contact investigation and new cases, if any.

Resources

Renascença — Catarina Magalhães, Hospital Santa Maria confirma caso de sarampo de um homem não-vacinado, 8 October 2026

rr.pt

Direção-Geral da Saúde

dgs.pt

SNS 24

sns24.gov.pt