Measles in Syria

21 Jun 2013

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) (Doctors Without Borders) has reported a measles epidemic in northern Syria. The outbreak is considered to be a consequence of the civil war in the country and the break down of the health system. Routine childhood immunisation in Syria has been interrupted since 2011.

At least 7000 measles cases have been reported and MSF medical teams have vaccinated more than 75 000 children in the provinces of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah and Idlib.

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.