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Measles in Philippines (Update)

11 Feb 2014

Public Health England has reported 10 cases of measles imported into the UK by travellers returning from the Philippines since 01 December 2013. A measles outbreak is currently ongoing in Metro Manila.

Eight of the 10 cases were visiting friends and relatives in the Philippines and the age of cases range from under 1 year to 45 years. Five of the cases are children under 2 years-of-age; 3 of whom had not yet been scheduled for routine immunisation. Further related cases may occur as at least 4 cases travelled by plane while infectious.

Measles has also recently been imported into Canada and Australia by travellers returning from the Philippines.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.