Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
26 April 2012 08:54
Vaccinations and medical travel insurance are vital with measles back on the agenda
Health authorities have reported that there were four times more cases and outbreaks of measles than usual in the United States last year.
The highly infectious illness appears to be making an unexpected comeback, with 222 cases and 17 outbreaks recorded in 2011 compared with an annual average of just 60 cases and four outbreaks over the past decade.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in America is said to have received reports of 27 cases of measles so far in 2012 but Dr Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, says it is too early to tell how bad the situation will be this year.
"In 2011, we had the most number of reported measles in the US in 15 years," she said.
"It is too soon in the year to know whether this year will be as bad or worse than last year."
Measles had been declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 after public health measures successfully interrupted the transmission of disease from person-to-person.
However, despite a high vaccination rate of 90%in the country, the disease is still endemic in many other parts of the world and has now returned to the US, making it an important medical travel insurance issue again.
"Measles is extremely infectious and very good at finding those few people who aren't vaccinated," warned Dr Schuchat.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.