Measles Outbreak in Syria

20 Mar 2017

On the 14 March 2017 a ReliefWeb report advised of an alarming increase in measles cases in Ghouta, Syria. There have been 121 cases recorded in the past two months, compared to 50 cases in the previous two years.

Several areas throughout Syria remain under heavy siege and in the past week three hospitals in Kafr Zeta, have been attacked and put out of service.

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 4 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.