Measles in Syria

20 Sep 2017

Syria reported 352 confirmed measles cases from 1 January to the end of June 2017 with a further 45 suspected cases betwwen 30 July and 5 August. Most of the later cases are in Dar'a, Damascus and Ar-Raqqa.

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.