Measles outbreaks have prevailed in all 26 provinces this year, although most activity has been in five provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Lomami, Sankuru and Tshopo. Up to May 7, nearly 100,000 suspected measles cases had been recorded, with 1,239 deaths. The WHO regional office said there had been a ‘strong resurgence of measles cases with significant spread’ to new health zones compared to 2022 as case numbers are up by 93 percent and deaths by 66 percent. Vaccination campaigns have suffered delays and a second dose of measles-containing vaccine is not yet routinely administered in all provinces. In other news on measles, the declared emergency over confirmed cases in American Samoa ended last week and a US CDC team has been sent to ‘increase local testing capacity and lessen dependence on off island testing’ for this outbreak and any others that may emerge in the future. To date there have been two confirmed measles cases and another 78 probable. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. In general the infection is relatively benign, but complications 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.