Traveling abroad? You can be exposed to measles. Here’s how to provide protection

March 26 NSW Health He gave alert Advinging people to feel signs of measles after a contagious person visited the airport in Sydney and two locations in the western Fresh South Wales.

The person has recently returned from Southeast Asia, where in several countries in several countries, including Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

NSW Alert follows the string Similar alerts released Around Australia In recent days and weeks.

If you travel abroad soon, you can be exposed to measles. Here’s what to know to provide protection.

First, what is the Odra?

Odra is one of the most contagious viral diseases. He breaks down in the air when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes. On average, one person can infect 12 to 18 others who are not resistant.

Initial symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis. Then the rash is not tough to start around the hairline before spreading around the body.

Odra is Most often in childrenAnd they are also the most susceptible to developing the virus. Odra is ponderous in the area One in ten children. Complications may include ear infection, diarrhea and pneumonia, and, more rarely, encephalitis (edema).

However, adults can also catch and spread the disease, catching up 10-20% of the Odra cases During the epidemic.

Millions of human lives saved vaccinations

The first vaccine from the Oder was Licensed for public use in 1963 and changed the trajectory of this disease. Only in the 21st century, it is believed that the measles have vaccination He saved over 60 million lives globally.

Odra vaccine is free of Australia National vaccination program. It is routinely served at the age of 12 and 18 months. The first dose is combined with mumps and pink (MMR vaccine), and the second adds protection against chickenpox or chickenpox (MMRV).

False suggestions vaccination to the Odra are associated with disorders such as autism Thoroughly refute. The vaccine is very safe and sound and very effective.

However, because the vaccine is made of live virus, people with Weakened immune systems (For example, people who receive chemotherapy for cancer or pregnant women) cannot have vaccines, even if they are at a higher risk robust measles. Their safety depends on high community vaccination indicators to reduce the spread of the virus.

Because the Odra is at least so contagious 95% of the population It must be resistant to prevent its spread.

Resistance occurs from two doses of measles or past infection. Odra vaccinations were introduced in Australia in 1968. Most adults born before the mid -1960s would still be resistant from the previous infection. But vaccination is recommended for everyone who is not resistant.

Immune gaps open

Gaps in Odra resistance have opened all over the world due to the challenges in providing routine vaccinations during a pandemic due to confusionand in some cases, Reduced vaccination acceptance.

Only in 2023 83% of children in the world They received at least one dose of opposite vaccine in their first birthday, compared to 86% in 2019. This is not enough to stop the spread.

Withdrawal of financing the US government from many global health programs, including Odra supervision network This supports test and explosive reactions, throws fuel on fire.

In Australia, diminutive, but progressive declines in childhood capture in childhood in the last five years, and gaps in the case of immunity in other age groups mean our risk of growth outbreaks.

For example MMR vaccine After 24 months, a 0.4 percentage point fell between 2022 and 2023 (from 95.3% to 94.9% in indigenous children and generally 95.1% to 94.7%).

Vaccination indicators for time-in 30 days from the recommended age-they fall. . percentage of children who had a MMR vaccine for 75.3% to 67.2% for non -family children and 64.7% to 56% for native children in 2020–2023.

Odra explosions are growing in Australia and around the world

Odra cases are there It rises quickly all over the world And more cases come from abroad to Australia. Until now in 2025, 37 cases were reported Compared to 57 in all 2024, 26 in 2023 and seven in 2022, most cases were imported from abroad, but so far we set eight cases in 2025, were acquired locally.

Many experiencing countries Odra’s largest epidemics They are popular travel places for Australians, including India, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

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But few countries are free from the Oder. United StatesIN CanadaThe United Kingdom and various countries in Europe All explosion solutions.

Like incubation period – a gap between exposure and symptoms – it’s about seven to ten daysTravelers can enter the country, not knowing that they intend to get infirmed and potentially spread the virus into others.

Protection of yourself and your family

Although the usual age for the first dose of the Odra is 12 months, the MMR vaccine can be given to children Six months who travel to the Odra hotspot or during an epidemic.

This early dose of measles vaccine does not replace those given after 12 and 18 months, but will lend a hand protect the infant meanwhile.

It is critical that all adults, especially people planning foreign travels, know their vaccination or infection history. If not, talk to your doctor vaccination.

Anyone who has no resistance to infection should have two doses for life. Some adults, including those who migrated from abroad, could not have any or only one dose when they were younger. If you are not sure, There is no harm When you receive a vaccine if you had measles or have been fully vaccinated.

If you come back from abroad and need medical care, inform your healthcare provider about your symptoms and last journeys before personal participation in the clinic.