The Oct 12 ECDC summary of EU measles notifications reveals that most cases this year have been reported in Romania, France, Italy, Poland and Bulgaria - data is provided for all countries, both within and outside the EU/EEA. The agency notes that measles remains ‘a serious cross-border threat to health’ and the risk of ‘continued widespread circulation of measles in EU/EEA in the near future is high. In other news, a measles epidemic was declared in Samoa today after the infection was confirmed in seven adults and children. Results on other probable cases have been sent to Melbourne and are pending, as is the cause of death of an infant last weekend, suspected to be from measles complications.
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. In general the infection is relatively benign, but complications can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.