The measles outbreak declared by the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services involves four cases (three confirmed, one suspected) who are all linked – two adults, one child and an infant from Wailali Settement in Wainadoi in the Serua/Namosi Subdivision near Suva. Vaccinations are being carried out on a local level, as well as for all children (and people who will be travelling overseas or to the outbreak area) who haven’t had two doses of MR vaccine. Read more. While in Samoa, the measles outbreak has claimed more lives with news reports of seven deaths and at least 638 cases. An Echo Flash Daily report on Nov 13 included the comment, 'A vaccinologist from Auckland University said the disease was at the stage where it was now difficult to stop'. Two Samoan children visiting American Samoa have been admitted to hospital with suspected measles. In Tonga, a Nov 5 update revealed the outbreak at that time comprised 177 confirmed or suspected measles cases, many of whom were students of schools in Tongatapu and Vava͛u High School and linked to the first cases associated with travel to New Zealand. More measles news: Reports from across the European region - Romania, the UK, Italy (more than half of cases in Lazio & Lombardy) and Croatia (Zagreb) have recorded the highest increases in recent cases, however the ECDC notes that the ‘majority of the countries have reported less than 10 cases in the past month’. The agency has published a global summary of measles reports and a separate African region update provides more details on the extensive outbreak in the D.R. of Congo, where a further 53,000+ suspected cases were identified in the last eight weeks taking the 2019 total to more than 233,000 and 4,723 deaths (to Oct 27).
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.