The ECDC has published an assessment on the extensive measles outbreak in the region. ‘Who is at risk for measles in the EU/EEA?’ includes a warning that ‘there is a high risk of the continued widespread circulation of measles in EU/EEA in the near future’ driven largely by: A large pool of individuals susceptible to measles and high burden of measles among infants and adults, the groups at the highest risk of complications, as well as the continued potential of importations. France has reported an increase in cases recently with more than 100 new infections per week taking the YTD (May 22) toll to 1,184. And in Malta, MMR vaccination coverage of 95 percent has again been reached amid reports of more than 20 local cases this year. Nearly 1,500 new measles cases were recorded last week alone in the Ukraine (from late Dec to May 23 there were 50,749 and 17 deaths). In North America, the CDC now advises there have been 940 cases in the USA (Jan 1 to May 24) from 26 states; and in Canada, most of the nine measles cases reported in Saint John, New Brunswick are linked to a local high school. The Philippines recorded nearly 35,000 cases (and 477 associated deaths) between Jan 1 and May 11 and Hong Kong’s total has climbed to 75 for the year, up from 15 recorded for all of 2018. In the African region, there are updates from Algeria (provinces of Naama and Batna), Angola, Nigeria (Borno state) and Chad; while in our region, Auckland has now recorded 74 measles cases.
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. 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. 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.