Released: February 26, 2009
Measles outbreaks occur around the world.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that the best way to avoid getting measles is to get vaccinated.
Measles remains common in many African and Asian countries; and there are currently outbreaks of measles in Western European countries including: France, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.
Symptoms
Transmission
Measles occurs worldwide but is rare in countries of the Americas. It is a common disease in many developing countries (parts of Africa, eastern Mediterranean and Asia) and some countries in Western Europe and Asia. There are currently outbreaks of measles in Western European countries including: France, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
If you are travelling to an area where measles occurs and you were born in or after 1970, or were born outside of Canada and were not adequately vaccinated, you may be at risk of infection.
You may be protected against measles if:
Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.
Disease Information Backgrounder on Measles from the Public Health Agency of Canada
Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad
Public Health Agency of Canada - Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - Measles