The measles outbreak is now approaching the four month mark and it has been reported that almost two-thirds of cases have occurred in children under 14. The case count to Jan 7 exceeded 19,500 and there had been 39 deaths in hospitals (and an unspecified number of community deaths). All 22 regions have recorded cases including ‘densely populated urban cities including Toamasina, Mahajanga, Antsirabe, Toliara and the capital city Antananarivo. As noted by the WHO’s Dr Peter Salama in his twitter feed, the outbreak is ‘occurring concurrently with resurgence of seasonal #plague, straining the public health response’. Read the WHO report. With recent and ongoing measles outbreaks in the region, health authorities are urging residents of the island of Reunion to ensure their measles vaccinations are current. The Director of Health Surveillance and Security for the regional health agency (ARS) cited outbreaks in Madagascar and Mauritius, and several cases in Mayotte and Comoros. Thirteen cases have been reported in southern districts of Reunion since last week, with vaccination coverage at around 80 percent, according to Dr François Chieze who was quoted in a local news article.
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.