Measles cases have reached a 10-year high in Lithuania’s largest county outside Vilnius, Kaunas. Nearly two-thirds of those infected were in the 35 to 44 years age group and hospitalisations for treatment of complications have been as high as 65 percent of cases. Almost half of Russia’s 872 measles cases this year have been in Moscow and its surrounding region (oblast). While the situation in the Ukraine remains grim - 17,000 children and 13,000 adults have contracted measles this year and 12 have died. Western regions have been hardest hit, including the capital Kiev and also Lviv, Rivné, Vinnytsya and Khmelnytsky. Nearly 100 of the Czech Republic’s 298 measles cases recorded to Mar 17 have been in Prague and the highest weekly total was recorded in the last epiweek. Thirteen locations have been affected in the outbreak this year. In other regions, New Zealand has a declared outbreak in the district of Canterbury with 30 confirmed cases to date; Auckland and Dunedin have also reported cases. The Mar 16 update from the Philippines agency managing that measles outbreak (NDRRMC) announced there had been more than 21,000 measles and 315 deaths – over half of all cases have been in young children and infants under four years of age. Read more measles updates here.
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.