Multiple reports emerge when conducting searches on the internet regarding measles. This week, news from the Czech Republic that fewer than 10 measles cases were recorded in 2016, but that figure has increased at least 10-fold in the first two months of this year after authorities announced 100 cases (70 of those in Prague). While the extensive outbreak continues in the Ukraine, Macedonia has reported more than 250 cases recently and the resulting deaths of three children. In Asia, the latest data from the Philippines shows the current national total at 16,349 cases and over 260 deaths, with more than 20 percent of cases from each of Calabarzon and the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) - outbreaks have been declared across six regions. Four towns in Myanmar’s Yangon district have reported most of the country’s measles cases this year – 1,300 to mid-February and at least one child from Mandalay district died as a result of measles complications. In the African region, the death toll in Madagascar has now exceeded 1,100 as the case count surpassed 79,000 by the end of February and Nigeria’s year-to-date total is almost double that for the same period in 2018 (4,838 suspected measles cases and 13 deaths). There are also summaries of measles cases in the USA and across the Americas. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles is a highly contagious virus and can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Most cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel - both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps 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.