Amid the ongoing conflict, malnutrition and shortages of medicines, vaccine-preventable diseases are surging. Almost 9,500 measles cases have been recorded this year and 77 children have died, while rates of polio, diphtheria and pertussis infections and deaths are also rising. In other news on measles, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, cases have spiked in Sagar district to the north-east of Bhopal, while doctors in Telangana say they have seen increased case numbers since Feb-March in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts. In Europe, after two years without any measles cases in Belarus, there are reports of an unspecified number of infections in Vitebsk region and, lastly, the case count in Austria’s outbreak had risen to 112 by April 14, with the most new cases in Styria; ‘associated follow-up cases are still to be expected’. The outbreak peaked in mid-Feb to mid-March. 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.