A single case of measles in an unvaccinated Chilean traveller to Armenia and Georgia (between 16 July and 26 July, returning to Chile on 26 July via Qatar and Brazil) has triggered an extensive public health response after it was determined the individual had contact with ’about a thousand people through exposures at home, work, school, in waiting rooms of health facilities and others’. The situation was outlined in a WHO Disease Outbreak News post on August 23, which also advised that this was the first measles infection reported in Chile since 2020. 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.