Travellers are reminded of the measles outbreaks in Europe and the Americas

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is still found in many EU countries where vaccination coverage is low. Outbreaks have been reported this year in several schools in Berlin, Germany.

In the United States, more than 100 people have contracted measles in several states by early February 2015. Cases have also been found in Canada and Mexico. The Philippines saw a major measles outbreak in 2014, caused by the same type as the virus found in California.

Brazil has seen outbreaks since 2013. There are also major outbreaks currently underway in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, China, Sudan and Papua New Guinea.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles. If you have not had the MMR diseases and you have not received the MMR vaccinations, it is recommended that you take two doses of the MMR vaccine. The second dose must be administered at least six months after the first one, and preferably 2–3 years after. Children travelling abroad are recommended to have the MMR vaccine starting from the age of six months.

Source:

• THL (in Finnish)