Rising measles cases overseas prompt vaccination call for NZ holidaymakers

Doctors urge travellers to ensure measles vaccination as cases rise in Vietnam, Thailand and India. Dr Matthew Reid warns of a “very high risk” of measles spreading because of low vaccination rates. Measles is highly contagious but preventable; vaccination rates need to reach 95% for effective protection.

By Rachel Helyer Donaldson of RNZ Doctors are “very worried” about a measles outbreak as cases rise rapidly overseas, and are urging people travelling in the upcoming school holidays to make sure they’re vaccinated. Health NZ’s acting national public health service clinical director protection, Dr Matthew Reid, said “reasonably substantial” measles outbreaks were occurring in popular destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand and India..