Summaries of measles infections in the news across the globe this past week: European region (additional data for rubella taking in 12 months to the end of Feb 2019), Madagascar, the Philippines, USA and South Korea. Australian recommendations regarding MMR vaccination have recently changed, lowering the minimum age from nine months to six months if infants are ‘travelling to countries where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring’ (after an individual risk assessment). The two routine doses must still be given. The health dept. advice also includes the following: ‘Travellers are strongly recommended to have received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine. Measles importation after international travel is the most significant source of measles cases in Australia.’
In a published opinion piece, the WHO director general and UNICEF executive director have declared that ‘We are in the middle of a global measles crisis’ ... ‘In just the first three months of 2019, there have been more than 110,000 measles cases reported worldwide, a figure that is up nearly 300% from the same period last year. And these numbers will represent just a fraction of all the cases that occur.’
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. While generally benign, infection 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.