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Reported Measles Activity Worldwide
July 4, 2002
Health Canada is monitoring reported measles activity in some countries
around the world.
Measles is a highly contagious and acute infectious disease caused by a
virus. It is one of the best known and most severe of all childhood rash and
febrile illnesses. Measles mainly affects young children, but can strike older
children and adults as well. Measles remains a common disease in many countries
of the world, including some developed countries in Europe and Asia. Outbreaks
can occur at any time. In temperate climates, measles occurs primarily in
late winter and early spring. In tropical climates, measles occurs primarily
in the dry season.
At this time, several countries are experiencing increased numbers of measles
cases. In response, some countries have implemented immunization measures
to reduce the risk of transmission. Countries having higher levels of reported
measles activity since January 1, 2002 include:
| In South America: |
Colombia, Venezuela |
| In Europe: |
Denmark, Italy (Campania region) |
| In the Pacific Region: |
Guam, Papua-New Guinea |
Sources: Pan American Health Organization; World Health Organization;
Eurosurveillance Weekly; Department of Public Health and Social Services,
Government of Guam; Pacific Islands Report, Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West
Center
Recommendations
Health Canada strongly recommends that Canadian international travellers
seek the advice of their personal physician or travel clinic prior to travel
for an individual risk assessment to determine their individual health risks
and their need for vaccination, preventative medication and personal protective
measures.
For all travel, travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood)
immunizations - including diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus,
polio, measles, mumps and rubella - are up to date.
Canadians travelling to countries with increased measles activity
at this time are advised to ensure that their measles vaccination status is
up to date. Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended for all
unimmunized travellers, one year of age or more, who were born after 1970
and who are on en route to a measles-endemic area.
For more information:
For additional information, visit our Disease Information Backgrounder
on Measles at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/info/measles_e.html.
To view "Immunizations recommended for travel outside of Canada", go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/236_e.html.
To view the Canadian Immunization Guide by the National Advisory
Committee on Immunization, go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/index.html.
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