Measles outbreaks in several countries

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of measles are being reported by the following countries:

• Congo DR (Katanga) - over 100 children have died
• USA - 169 cases from 20 states and the District of Columbia (CDC Update)
• France (Haut-Rhin) - 67 cases (median age 15 years) has been reported in the French region of Alsace,
• China - 32,819 cases with 13 measles deaths
• Philippines - cases more than doubled during the past month, to 1,320.
• United Kingdom (Devon) - 2 cases of measles in the Ashburton
• New Zealand (North Island) - MidCentral DHB had its 1st case of laboratory confirmed measles since 2011

Advice

Outbreaks of measles can occur frequently anywhere in the world at any time. Complications from measles are more common in children younger than 5 years old and adults 20 years and older. Unvaccinated travellers often spread the disease when they return to their countries. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to measles virus by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including measles, are up-to-date prior to travelling.