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Measles in Madagascar (Update 1)

21 Jan 2019

The World Health Organisation (WHO)  reports there were 19 539 cases of measles in Madagascar, including 39 deaths, from 4 October 2018 to 7 January 2019.

All 22 regions of Madagascar have been affected, with most cases from Analamanga (61%) and Boeny (20%) regions.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles.