There is a high proportion of children here who did not receive the MMR vaccine due to the discredited link with autism.
Less than four months after the last measles outbreak in Swansea was declared over, there has been another cluster of cases reported, with cases reaching 34 since early October.
The Department of Health in both The Philippines and Indonesia have also recently reported measles outbreaks.
There have been 170 cases in Manilla in The Philippines, including two deaths, with patients ranging in age from one month to 37 years, with one to four year olds at highest risk.
Indonesia have reported more than 6300 confirmed cases of measles this year. In August a traveller returned to the USA from Indonesia and spread the disease within a community in Texas. In October, five Australians were diagnosed with measles following their return from Bali.
In addition, outbreaks in Russia, Australia, Canada, Turkey, and some African nations have all been reported this year.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness, spread through inhalation of, or contact with infected droplets. Symptoms include a fever with rash and conjunctivitis, but it can be a very unpleasant disease and can lead to complications such as meningitis or pneumonia.
It should be confirmed that all travellers have received two doses of MMR vaccine (normally given at age one and with pre-school booster). Any unvaccinated children, or adult who does not think they are protected, can receive two doses of MMR given a month apart in order to receive protection. This is particularly important when travelling as in certain parts of the world including popular holiday destinations there is a lack of vaccine coverage and a high incidence of measles cases and fatalities. The World Health Organisation tells us that in 2011, around 56,000 children died of measles.
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More advice or vaccine can be obtained at The Travel Clinic Cambridge and Ipswich. 08455 480543 or [email protected]
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