Just over 575 mumps cases were recorded by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre last year, but it has taken only six weeks to reach almost half that number in 2019 – 278 cases, with 15 requiring hospitalisation. Areas with highest rates of infections are ‘Northeast (83 cases), followed by the East (58 cases), the West (50 cases), Northwest (43 cases)’. Read more
A RISE in the number of measles infections has been reported in Donegal, in the NW province of Ulster. To date there have been two confirmed cases however there are several more that are probable or under investigation.
Advice for travellers
These outbreaks of mumps highlight the importance of current immunisation against contagious childhood diseases, such as whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, rubella and measles for travel to any destination – be it a developed or developing country. Read more about mumps.
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.