The measles outbreak in Mexico City and the state of Mexico continues and the situation summarised in an Apr 24 WHO Disease outbreak news post. To date around one-quarter of those infected were males aged between 20 and 29 years and the outbreak has now spread across 14 municipalities in Mexico City and eight in neighbouring Mexico state. Up to eight suspected measles cases are also under investigation in the state of Campeche, on the Yucatán Peninsula. In other measles news, compliance with Portugal’s National Immunisation Program slipped last year: ‘at 13 months of age, 14% of children had not yet started vaccination against measles or the invasive meningococcal disease of group C, which must be administered at 12 months’.
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.