The Travel Clinic update last week documented concern about several measles, mumps and rubella outbreaks already this year.

The Daily Mail today is reporting that American authorities are trying to trace passengers sitting in close proximity to a 27 year old American woman, who flew from London to Washington, then transited through several other American airports during the next two days before arriving home in New Mexico, where she became unwell and was diagnosed with measles.  There is concern that other passengers and airports workers may have been exposed to this disease, and are being urged to report any symptoms to their Doctor.

It is thought that the unidentified woman contracted the disease while visiting the UK.

Anyone who has not either had the disease already, or received two doses of measles vaccine (MMR) will be vulnerable to infection.

Concern has been raised over outbreaks of Measles and Mumps in the UK, due to pockets in the population where the uptake of MMR vaccine has dipped.

If you are planning to travel, or wish to check that your family is protected for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), please come to see us at The Travel Clinic, Ipswich and Cambridge.

Globally, 10 million cases of measles will occur each year, leading to 164 000 deaths.