More health areas (31 total) are now implicated in Equateur province’s Ebola outbreak and infections are said to be widespread, with some of the affected areas in remote, hard to reach locations. In the Aug 18 OCHA update it was announced the total case count had risen to 90 confirmed cases, 4 probable and 41 deaths, after the latest cases were added (five, plus four community deaths).
From the Aug 14 WHO Weekly epidemiological record: ‘Most of the countries that currently report measles outbreaks are in Africa, but many cases are also reported from Bangladesh, Brazil, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan’, adding that outbreaks are occurring in 18 of the 29 countries where measles immunisation campaigns have been deferred due to the pandemic. More on the outbreaks in Africa.
Advice for travellers
A highly contagious virus, measles occurs in developing and developed countries. While generally benign, infection can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends checking immunisation status to ensure protection against measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps.
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.