We blogged last month about an American lady who had sparked a measles warning in the States after being diagnosed with measles on her return home after a visit to the UK, and flights that involved several major US airports over 2-3 days.

Internationally, measles is still causing us huge problems this year.  It is a highly infectious disease, spread by inhaling droplets released when infected people cough and sneeze.  For some, the disease will be a mild feverish illness with rash, but for others, particularly those under one and over 20, the disease will be much worse, and can lead to devastating consequences.

France has been battling a measles outbreak since 2008, and more than 10,000 cases have been diagnosed with 5 deaths.  They have reported a steep increase with nearly 4000 cases being diagnosed in the first two months of 2011 alone.  They have decided to start vaccinating against MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) at just 9 months old for babies who go to childcare, in an effort to protect this vulnerable age group.  Normally, the first MMR vaccine is given at 13 months.

Switzerland, India, Niger, various states in the USA and Australia, Taiwan and Spain are also reporting outbreaks currently, and the Philippines have reported 2000 cases of measles diagnosed just in the first three months of 2011.

Two MMR vaccine doses are needed to provide long lasting protection for measles.  Adults who have only received one dose as a child, or who missed out on MMR, may want to think about getting vaccine now to protect both themselves, and babies under a year old who are also at greatest risk of serious consequences following measles but are too young to receive vaccine themselves.

The Travel Clinic Ltd will be happy to provide vaccine and answer queries.