Canterbury district’s measles count increased by one to 35 this week after an infectious passenger arrived in Christchurch on a flight from Melbourne on Mar 19. Read more. Auckland’s case count has risen to nine with four of the five most recent measles infections considered close contacts of an earlier case. In Australia, the state of Victoria has reported another measles case in the past week, an infection stemming from an outbreak in the Northern Territory. There are separate alerts for both NSW and QLD, while in Western Australia, the state government announced a program providing free measles vaccines for residents born in or after 1966 who are not fully vaccinated against measles’. The media release noted that ‘while the vaccine is free, there may be a fee for the consultation’.
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. In general the infection is relatively benign, but complications 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.