National coverage for measles vaccination (first dose) fell from 100 percent to 88 percent in the years between 2018 and 2020 and now authorities report cases have more-than doubled in January/February this year compared to the same period in 2021. In other measles reports, at least 20 children have died from measles complications in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe and hundreds more have been infected. A mass vaccination campaign is planned for Mutasa District. On a regional level, the WHO has called for routine immunisation programmes to be restored after a 400 percent year-on-year increase in measles cases was registered in the African region and outbreaks were confirmed in 20 countries from Jan-March this year. In Afghanistan, while the number of new suspected measles cases declined in five regions, they increased in the remaining three - the West, Central West and East. 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 at least 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.