Measles in Pakistan
30 Dec 2016
A media report
of 24 December 2016 asserts that 5 children have died of measles in Mashky Kanderi area of Awaran (Balochistan). A further 40 children are believed to be infected.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness; it may be more severe in teenagers and adults, and can sometimes lead to serious complications. Situations where people mix closely with each other provide the ideal scenario for the measles virus to spread.
Advice for Travellers
Young people who missed their MMR vaccines as children are vulnerable. It should be confirmed that children and young people have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months. 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.