The Department of Health has issued a reminder on the importance of immunisation against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in light of recent US-based outbreaks.

The Centers for Disease Control reporting a “large multi-scale measles outbreak” that originated in California last month and has spread to additional states and Mexico.

There have been 51 confirmed cases reported to the CDC. The first confirmed patients had been visiting Disneyland Resort Theme Parks in Orange County, California, from December 28 through January 21.

The CDC advisory said: “At this time, no source case for the outbreak has been identified, but it is likely that a traveller (or more than one traveller) who was infected with measles overseas visited one or both of the Disney parks in December during their infectious period.

“The current multi-state outbreak underscores the ongoing risk of importation of measles, the need for high measles vaccine coverage, and the importance of a prompt and appropriate public health response to measles cases and outbreaks.”

There have been no cases of measles in Bermuda since 1990.

However, outbreaks can occur in the US when unvaccinated groups are exposed to imported measles virus.

Initial symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. After several days a rash can break out and spread over the body and a person’s fever may reach as high as 104F. After a few days, the rash will disappear.

Measles may cause serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and is still common in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa. Worldwide, about 20 million people get measles each year.

Measles can be spread through coughing or sneezing and easily spreads to unvaccinated people.

“When travelling, you could be exposed to infected people almost anywhere, including airports, airplanes, buses, hotels, restaurants and stadiums,” said Dr Cheryl Peek-Ball, Bermuda’s chief medical officer.

“Members of the public should ensure that they are up to date on all routine vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio and influenza, before leaving on their travels, and should visit their local physician or healthcare provider to see what additional vaccinations they might need.

“Keeping a lifetime record of your immunisation and your children’s immunisation is vital. The information may be held in your Child’s Health Passport, your International Vaccination Certificate for Travel or an immunisation card. These documents are an important part of your health history.

“They may be required when you or your family member utilises health services at the hospital or doctor’s office, enrols in college, or plans to travel to a destination which requires this documentation upon entry.”

If you have travelled and become unwell with fever and body rash, it is important to inform your healthcare professional of this travel history and seek medical attention to rule out measles.

Measles is a notifiable disease and even cases of “suspected measles” should be reported immediately by calling 278-6503.

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