A building in Osaka that contains a department store, restaurants and a railway station is the focus of a measles outbreak. There has also been confirmed spread of the infection in a local hospital and warnings have been issued for bullet train passengers on two separate days earlier this month. Up to Feb 12 Osaka prefecture had reported ‘more than triple the figure for all of 2018’ – 46 cases [now 47]. Nineteen other prefectures have also reported measles infections this year with national figures at a 10-year high. Read more
Advice for travellers
A highly contagious virus, measles occurs in developing and developed countries. 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 6 weeks before departure.
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.