There are reports of a measles outbreak in Vladimir Oblast, east of Moscow, with over 50 cases identified to date. A news source claims the first infected case arrived from Azerbaijan and the virus then spread in the local Roma community. Read more Meanwhile, Georgia could be heading into a large measles outbreak with 580 infections reported already this year. The majority of cases were from Tbilisi, Samegrelo (Western Georgia) and Kakheti (Eastern Georgia) regions). Read more. Kazakhstan’s 741 measles cases reported in January (the basis of a current CDC travel notice) exceeds the number of notifications for all of 2018. Over 550 of the cases were in the capital Astana.
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.