Outbreak of Measles in Taiwan and Japan.

23 Apr 2018

According to media reports  at least 22 people in Taiwan have been confirmed with measles. More than 980 people in Taipei are  being monitored following an outbreak of measles at a major hospital. A further 3500 are under quarantine in Kaohsiung in the south of Taiwan.

The infection was introduced to Taiwan by a flight attendant working for Tigerair Taiwan. This individual also introduced the infection to the island of Okinawa in Japan, where at least 67 individuals have been infected. Cases linked to this outbreak have been identified elsewhere in Japan.

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.