World Cup travellers warned about measles epidemic
Doctors are warning Socceroos fans heading for the World Cup to make sure they are vaccinated against measles amid an epidemic in the host country Germany.
With just three weeks until the June 9 kickoff, concerns are growing about Germany’s measles epidemic.
More than 1100 people living in the heavily industrialised North Rhine-Westphalia region, which includes the cities of Cologne and Dusseldorf, have been struck down by the highly infectious disease in recent months.
Health authorities fear that because measles is an airborne disease, it could easily spread among soccer fans at World Cup matches and post-match celebrations.
NSW Health epidemiologist Dr Vicky Sheppeard said soccer fans should make sure they had been vaccinated against measles before heading to Germany.
“Measles is not only highly contagious but it can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis,” she said.
Might be worth advising agency staff to pass on the warning to any customers.
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