The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for Madagascar due to a large measles outbreak on the island country.

Image/kpgolfpro
Image/kpgolfpro

Since the first measles cases were reported in the urban health district of Antananarivo Renivohitra (in the heart of the capital city, Antanarivo), health officials have seen 3,239 laboratory confirmed or epidemiologically linked cases.

Health authorities say travelers to Madagascar should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

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What can travelers do to protect themselves?

  1. Make sure you are fully vaccinated or otherwise protected against measles.
  2. People who cannot show that they were vaccinated or are otherwise protected against measles should get vaccinated before leaving the United States:
    • Infants (6 through 11 months of age) should have 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
    • Adults and children over 1 year of age should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days.
  3. Avoid contact with people who are sick.

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Measles is a disease that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), and even death. It is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Signs and symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.