The spread of measles both within Venezuela and to regional countries is highlighted in a Sept 21 PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) report. Venezuela has recorded more than 4,600 measles infections and 61 deaths this year (to Sept 1) from ‘all states and the Capital District’. Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia have all confirmed imported or import-related infections. As a result, advice to national authorities provided to Member States by the PAHO includes ‘all travelers aged 6-months and older who cannot show proof of vaccination or immunity, receive the measles and rubella vaccine, preferably the triple viral vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella - MMR), at least two weeks before traveling to areas where measles transmission has been documented. The recommendations for advice for travelers are available in the 27 October 2017 PAHO/ WHO Epidemiological Update on Measles‘.
ALSO from the PAHO, a regional update on the current situation on diphtheria: The bacterial infection has spread to 22 of Venezuela’s states and capital district – 660 cases and 81 deaths this year, with the highest incidence in children from 10 to 14 years. Among those countries reporting to the PAHO, Haiti is also experiencing high rates of diphtheria – this year there have been 281 probable cases and 22 deaths. Nearly two-thirds of cases were in children under 14 years of age. PAHO advice is for going to countries with outbreaks to be ‘properly vaccinated prior to travel’ while noting they ‘don’t have ‘a special risk for diphtheria infection’.
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.