The Department of Health has confirmed that two suspected cases of measles are being investigated.

The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit was alerted this week — the first on Wednesday and the second yesterday.

Those close to the pair are being informed and advised.

Although neither case has been confirmed, the Department of Health has emphasised that it is important that the public consider their own immunisation status.

Documented prior vaccination or previous measles infection are the means of confirming protection, said the Department.

Assuring adequate protection from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases is especially important in the event of a local outbreak and before travel abroad.

“If you have not had prior vaccination or a history of the disease, you are susceptible to measles infection.

“If you come into contact with a case of measles, or an individual suspected of having the disease, you are at risk of contracting the infection.”

People who are susceptible to measles are:

• Infants aged between six and 12 months of age. If the mother is immune, natural immunity from maternal antibodies is protective for children under the age of six months

• All those born during or after 1966 who have not been immunised with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or do not have a history of having had measles.

• Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 because some early vaccines did not give lasting protection.

• People who have had only one measles-containing vaccine. Routine childhood measles vaccination did not include two doses until 1986, so those born between 1966 and 1986 have often had only one dose of vaccine.

• People who are immune compromised (ie, have decreased immunity) are also at risk — at any age, even if immunised. This includes people with diseases such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or cancer, HIV and people undergoing cancer treatment or on high-dose steroids.

People born before 1957 most likely had measles and are therefore most likely to be immune.

Those who have no clear history of measles or vaccination, should consider themselves susceptible. If in doubt, they should discuss their immunisation status with a physician.

The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment has said it wanted to particularly encourage parents to ensure that their children receive their recommended childhood vaccinations on time.

“Vaccine-preventable diseases can be eliminated,” the ministry said. “The health, social and economic impacts of these diseases can be reduced through appropriate vaccination.”

For more information about travel vaccinations, contact the Travel Clinic at 278-6460 or check the website www.health.gov.bm.