There has been an increase in cases of mumps in Cairns 
with 14 cases seen by Queensland Health since 24 Jul 2017. Tropical Public Health director Dr Steven Donohue said the outbreak spread to Cairns from northwest Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Advice to travellers
- Mumps is still common in much of Asia, Africa the Indian sub-continent and South America. The risk is greater when living/working with the local population; particularly if in a healthcare setting or for children in areas where vaccine uptake may be poor.
- More recently there have been outbreaks of mumps in several developed countries including the US, Canada, Japan, Israel and several European countries including the UK.
When to consider vaccination
All travellers to outbreak or endemic areas should ensure that they are fully immunised against measles, mumps and rubella.
Child Travellers
- The British Immunisation Schedule stipulates that children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine; the first at 1 year and the second between age 3 years and 4 months and 5 years-of-age.
- September 2014, Green Book: Revised recommendations for the administration of more than one live vaccine.
- Infants who are travelling and are likely to mix closely with the local population in countries where measles is common or in areas where an outbreak has been reported, MMR vaccine can be given from 6 months if the risk of infection is felt to be significant. If MMR is given before the age of 12 months, the vaccine efficacy may be reduced by the presence of maternal antibodies and immunisation with two further doses should be given at the recommended ages as per British Vaccination Schedule to ensure adequate antibody response.(3)
- Children travelling to risk areas, who have received the first dose of MMR at the appropriate time may have the second dose brought forward to at least one month (but preferably 3 months) after the first. If the second dose is given less than 3 months after the first and the child is under 18 months when the second dose is given, then a further dose should be given at the appropriate time to ensure full protection.(3)
Adult Travellers
- Most UK residents born before 1970 will have been exposed to these infections and have natural immunity.
- For those born after 1970 and travelling to areas where risk of measles or mumps is significant, vaccine may be recommended. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has made recommendations for the use of MMR vaccine in adults. A table outlining recommendations based on year of birth and vaccination history is available to assist when considering risk and immunisation in travellers.
For further information see Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
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