A WHO Disease Outbreak News post published late last week provides details on the surge in measles cases occurring ‘primarily from the provinces of West Java (796 cases), Central Papua (770 cases), and Banten (197 cases)’. More than 2,100 suspected cases have been recorded this year, continuing a marked rise in case numbers seen over the past two years. The ‘magnitude and extent of this outbreak’ is attributed to sub-optimal population immunity, so ‘the overall risk of measles at the national level is assessed as high’. In other news on measles, the WHO advised that cases in Europe had exceeded the 2022 total by the end of February this year, with more than 900 infections from 17 countries. The top three reporting nations were Russia, Tajikistan and Türkiye. And lastly, South Africa’s NICD issued another update on the measles outbreak on May 2, advising that recent figures may be skewed by the Easter holiday break. Read more
HEALTH AUTHORITIES in Bali have reported at least 38 meningitis cases - some have already been confirmed as resulting from Streptococcus suis infection (acquired through contact with infected pig carcasses or the consumption of under-cooked pork products). Five people have succumbed to S. suis infections and investigations are underway into the aetiology of the remaining meningitis cases. 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. 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.