A measles outbreak has been declared in two areas of Gauteng Province – the city of Tshwane with three (linked) confirmed cases, while a single case was reported to the SW of Johannesburg, on the West Rand. All four cases were reported late last month (May). Routine vaccination with a monovalent measles vaccine is administered as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in South Africa at the ages of six months and one year. 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. 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.