Measles in Egypt

30 Dec 2014

In the last few weeks, cases of measles have been reported in Marsa Matrouh Governorate in the far northwest of the country. The capital is a mediterranean seaport and a popular tourist destination. Most of the reported cases were identified in Siwa Oasis.

On 14 December 2014, new measles cases were reported in Beni Suef Governorate in central Egypt. The capital is the city of Beni Suef, located about 120 km south of Cairo on the west bank of the Nile. This area is not a popular tourist destination.

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.