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An outbreak of measles has been reported in North Waziristan, a tribal agency bordering Afghanistan. The media report that at least 12 children and one adult have died as a result of measles infection. The main hospital reports that in the last three weeks, 5-10 suspected measles cases are being seen daily and 70 confirmed cases are being treated in hospital.
North Waziristan is a poor area in military conflict and health care facilities are poor; power cuts and curfews have lead to a shortage of medicines and no facilities for storing vaccines. Immunisation teams are hampered by the remoteness and military conflict in the area resulting in low vaccine coverage.
Advice for Travellers
This area is unlikely to be visited by the average traveller, however, 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.
