Despite 10 percent of school age children having no measles vaccinations and 104 locally-acquired cases recorded in the first six months of the year, a governmental risk assessment reported that, based on several factors, ‘the risk of widespread transmission of measles, leading to a measles epidemic across the UK is considered low’. There is however ‘a high risk of imported cases leading to outbreaks in specific population groups’, particularly those with low vaccination rates and in high density districts such as in London and other inner-city areas. Without an improvement in measles vaccination rates there is the potential for ‘an outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases’ in London. In related news, a vaccination drive is underway in Kenya’s Mombasa County in response to an outbreak in Mvita and Likoni sub-counties. And at least 700 children aged between five and 10 years who arrived in South Sudan after fleeing the conflict in Sudan are receiving treatment for measles infections in Bentui, 31 have died. 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.