Measles: Global Update

Updated: October 17, 2011

Travel Health Notice

Measles cases occur around the world. Within the last 10 years, the number of measles cases reported globally has decreased significantly; however, there have been a number of large outbreaks recently, mostly in Africa but also in Europe. The Americas, including Canada, are also experiencing outbreaks of measles linked to importation of the measles virus from other regions.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers to make sure their measles vaccination is up-to-date.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.

Where is Measles a Concern?

Measles remains a common disease worldwide, especially in countries where measles is endemic or where large outbreaks are occurring.

Recently there have been a large number of cases reported in the following areas:

• Africa
  • A number of countries are reporting a large number of measles cases including: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
• Asia
  • A number of countries are reporting a large number of measles cases including: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
• Europe
  • Measles outbreaks continue to occur in many countries in Europe.
  • France continues to report the highest number of cases, which accounts for more than half of all cases in 2011.
  • Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are also reporting large number of cases; which is a considerable increase from 2010.
• Americas
  • Measles outbreaks have been reported from a number of countries in this region; these outbreaks are linked to the importation of measles from other regions such as Europe or Africa.
  • Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico, and the United States have recently reported outbreaks, with the largest outbreak in 2011 reported by Canada (in French only).
  • For more information on measles in Canada, please visit Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Measles

More information on the number of worldwide confirmed measles cases is available from the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

1. Get vaccinated
   
   Canadians are reminded to keep all vaccinations up-to-date. See provincial/territorial immunization schedules for further information.
   
   Travellers should be up-to-date on measles immunization regardless of their travel destination.
   
   
   1. Infants and Children:
      • Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are recommended for children.
        1. The first dose should be given on or after the first birthday and the second dose should be given after 15 months of age.
        2. During outbreaks or for travel to regions where measles is a concern, children age six months to 12 months should be vaccinated. Under these circumstances, the routine two dose series must be then restarted on or after the first birthday, for a total of three doses.
   2. Adolescents and Adults:
      • Adults born in or after 1970 should ensure that they have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine.
      You may be protected against measles if:
      • You were born before 1970; or
      • You have proof of immunity (e.g. through blood testing).
2. Monitor your health
   • If you develop symptoms similar to measles when you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider.
   • Describe your symptoms to your health care provider before your appointment. That way he/she can arrange to see you without exposing others to measles.