Another country reporting an uptick in measles cases: authorities are tracking the contacts of 27 people diagnosed with measles - the majority of those infected (19) are in the northern city of Irbid, seven more are in the capital, Amman, plus one in Ajloun. In other news on measles, the return to school for students in the district of Bundibugyo in Uganda’s Western Province has been postponed after a measles outbreak sickened 119 children and killed four. A reactive vaccination campaign is planned. The district borders the D R of Congo and many of the infected are Congolese asylum seekers. Lastly, the emergency declaration enacted in American Samoa in response to two confirmed and 74 suspected measles cases will continue until June 8 as the health department awaits more test results. Schools and daycare centres have been re-opened for fully vaccinated children and a 21-day isolation period set for anyone testing positive to measles. 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.