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FREE VACCINE TO STOP THE SPREAD OF
WORLD CUP "FEVER"
NSW
Health is urging soccer fans traveling to Germany
for the World Cup next month to get a free measles
vaccination to avoid getting sick during their holiday.
Germany is currently experiencing an epidemic of
measles, with local health authorities diagnosing
120-140 new cases each week, and more than 1000 cases
already reported.
Medical epidemiologist Dr Vicky Sheppeard said NSW
Health was now providing free measles vaccine to all
susceptible people through general practitioners in
an attempt to stem the spread of the disease.
“Measles is a not only highly contagious but
it can cause severe complications such as pneumonia
and encephalitis.
“With the current measles outbreak facing NSW
and the possibility of a large number of the state’s
residents traveling to Germany in June, there is a
real risk that the disease will spread causing many
new infections,” she said.
Dr Sheppeard said the measles outbreak in Germany
is centered in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, where
Dortmund, one of the world Cup venues, is located.
“People traveling to Germany or surrounding
areas during the World Cup could be at risk of catching
this highly infectious disease.”
“Anyone younger than 40 years of age
who has not had two shots of measles vaccine should
visit their GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
She said older people are very likely immune to measles
due to the high rates of the disease during their
childhood.
Dr Sheppeard also advised that people infected with
measles often become quite sick, with more than 15
per cent of recent cases in Germany needing hospitalisation
due to complications such as severe pneumonia and
encephalitis.
Australia is currently experiencing a measles outbreak,
with more than 50 cases reported in NSW alone since
early March.
“Many of those infected are people in their
twenties and thirties as they have an increased risk
of infection,” Dr Sheppeard said.
Initial symptoms of measles are fever, tiredness,
runny nose, cough and sore red eyes.
A red, blotchy rash appears three to four days after
initials symptoms. The rash starts on the face and
then spreads over the body and will last four to seven
days.
Dr Sheppeard said all overseas travelers
less than 40 years of age should consider having the
free measles vaccine prior to their trip.
Media Release issued by NSW Health –
Thursday May 18th, 2006.
See Also:
Travel Vaccination Clinic
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