The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the launch of a campaign to vaccinate 67,000 children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC's) Ituri province against measles. "Latest health data from DRC point to around 115,000 cases of suspected measles in the country, far more than the 65,000 tally last year," UNICEF said in a press release.
First patient diagnosed with Ebola in Congolese city of Goma dies
The World Health Organization (WHO) will reconvene the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to consider whether the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a PHEIC (public health emergency of international concern), after the first patient in the city of Goma dies. Goma, a border city with a population of one million, lies next to the Rwandan town of Gisenyi and has transport links to other parts of the DRC and beyond.
Advice for travellers
Measles is a highly contagious virus and can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Most cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel - both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps 6 weeks before departure.
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.