Measles outbreaks in multiple countries reinforce importance of vaccination

Measles cases, deaths, and outbreaks are continuously reported in many countries. Current reports are summarized as follows:

• Somalia - deaths in children reported in Middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia.
• Germany - mother of 3 children dies from measles complications; 410 measles cases, compared with 325 for the whole of 2016.
• Italy - nearly 3 times more measles cases so far this year than for all of 2016.
• Romania - largest outbreak this year.
• New Zealand - case of measles in Wellington may lead to major outbreak.
• France, Poland, Switzerland and Ukraine reported outbreaks this year.

Advice

All travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious measles virus can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers who have not been immunized may be at high risk. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to the highly contagious measles virus by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including measles, are up-to-date prior to travelling.