Measles in the Philippines (Update 1)
01 Apr 2019
According to UNICEF measles transmission throughout the Philippines. From 01 January to 19 March 2019, 22 967 measles cases (including 333 deaths) were reported to the Ministry of Health. This is an increase of 377% compared with the same time period in 2018.
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 from measles.
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.