Measles in Canada

04 Dec 2013

An outbreak of measles has been reported from southern Alberta in western Canada. The outbreak was first identified in October 2013, more than 40 confirmed cases have been recorded. Measles assessment centres have been opened to help deal with the outbreak and hundreds of idividuals at risk from measles have been vaccinated. Officials are cautiously optimistic that the worst of the outbreak is over.

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.