We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
An outbreak of measles has been reported in Pernambuco state, northeast region of Brazil. During 2013, 689 suspected cases were notified, of those 138 were laboratory confirmed. To date, 230 suspected cases remain under investigation.
The Recife Metropolitan Region and areas of Mata account for more than 50% of notifications, however, cases have also been reported from Caruaru. The worst affected municipalities include Recife, Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Goiana.
An immunisation campaign was implemented in November 2013, targetting children under 5 years-of-age in 16 affected municipalites of the state. The health authorities suspect that measles was imported into the area following the Carnival season in February when large numbers of visitors from Europe arrive in the area to take part. Measles notifications increased following the Carnival. In 2012, only one confirmed case of measles was reported in Pernambico.
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.
