Measles appearing around the world

So far this year the Community of Madrid has reported 360 confirmed cases of measles which represents a 12-fold increase over the reported incidence last year.

Six cases of childhood measles have been reported in Brooklyn over the 2 weeks 7 -21 October. So far this year, there have been 24 cases compared with only six during the entire year 2010.

The measles outbreak which has infected more than 200 Aucklanders since the outbreak began in May this year has now spread to Waiheke Island. A 17 year old resident on the island
recently tested positive for the disease.

Continuing reports of this highly infectious disease from various parts of the world emphasise the fact that all travellers are vulnerable unless they have immunity either from previous infection or vaccination. The mumps-measles-rubella vaccination should be high on everybody's priority list.