The ECDC’s latest report highlights nine countries across the region with current measles outbreaks: Romania, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain. Epidemiological summaries for EU/EEA countries are available in the ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report Week 24 (along with other relevant data for non-EU/EEA countries). Late last week, the Governor of New York signed into law an end to non-medical vaccination exemptions for the state’s schoolchildren as health authorities attempt to stem new measles cases. The US CDC reported a further 22 cases to June 13 with 28 states reporting cases this year. In New Zealand, of the 215 cases recorded to June 14, 115 (now 117) have been in Auckland. As many as 112 measles infections and 15 related deaths have been reported recently among Malaysia’s Orang Asli people of Gua Musang (Kampung Kuala Koh) – their immunisation coverage for the second MMR vaccine is believed to be only 30 percent. The WHO regional weekly bulletin for Africa outlines the current situation in the DRC (the peak in measles cases occurred in early May however, even in the most recent reporting week, the burden of infections remains high with 3,439 suspected cases and 52 measles-associated deaths), Cameroon (outbreaks in twenty-four districts) and Chad (Am Timan, N’Djamena East, N’Djamena South, Bongor, Bousso and N’Djamena Centre districts all exceeding 1 000 suspected cases)
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.