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An outbreak of measles has been reported from Afghanistan and health officials report that severe winter weather is making access to the affected area more difficult.
At least 20 children have died from measles and pneumonia in Ghor and Badghis provinces. WHO is assisting the Health Ministry with an immunisation campaign in an effort to contain the outbreak; more than 3600 children in the affected areas have been immunised. Vaccine coverage in Afghanistan is low, particularly in rural areas and those badly affected by the insurgency.
(Via Los Angeles Times - accessed 23/02/12)
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.
