Four countries in the region have now lost their measles-free status – Greece, the Czech Republic and Albania have joined the ranks along with the UK after a review of 2018 data from 53 member countries. The European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) did however award elimination status to Austria and Switzerland. Last year’s spike in cases across the region continued its momentum with nearly 90,000 new measles notifications (& 37 deaths) this year – already more than the 2018 total of just under 84,000. Other measles reports this week from Brazil (YTD total of almost 2,500 cases - São Paulo state is the epicentre), the USA (Brooklyn, NY, outbreak has ended) and New Zealand (Auckland’s measles case numbers now 812). In other related news, mumps notifications in England hit a 10-year high from April-May this year with high rates noted in particular among university students. Read more.
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.