Clinical Updates
24 May 2006
Information for Travellers leaving Venezuela
Measles and Rubella vaccination
An outbreak of measles in Caracas, Venezuela in March 2006 has been reported to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) [1]. The index case was in an airline pilot who may have contracted the illness during a trip to Spain in February 2006. A small number of cases have been reported in persons who had been in direct contact with this index case.
In response to this outbreak, authorities in Venezuela have implemented control measures which include increased surveillance and vaccination of people living and working in affected areas. In addition, the Venezuelan Ministry of Health has decreed that all Venezuelan nationals and foreign residents living in Venezuela require proof of measles and rubella vaccination if leaving the country through international airports or ports to travel outside the Americas [2]. Anyone who does not have a certificate of measles and rubella vaccination will be vaccinated at the point of departure.
While this resolution applies specifically to Venezuelan nationals and foreign residents, there appears to be some confusion in its interpretation at Venezuelan points of departure [3, 4]. Until the situation is clarified it would be advisable for travellers to Venezuela to carry documentation of vaccination against measles and rubella.
Measles vaccination with MMR should be considered for travellers who have no history of natural infection or who have not received two doses of a measles containing vaccine. Those who have been born before 1970 are likely to have had natural measles infection and will not need to be vaccinated. Travellers who have had measles may carry a note from their physician documenting a history of illness, however, it is not known whether this will be accepted by the Venezuelan authorities. As the situation becomes clarified, new information will be posted.
References
1. Pan American Health Organization. Measles outbreak notified in Venezuela. March 27 2006. Accessed 24 May 2006. Available at: http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PIN/pr060327.htm.
2. Ministerio de Salud. Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela. Resolution No. 067, 26 April 2006. Accessed 24 May 2006. Available at: http://www.tsj.gov.ve/gaceta/Abril/270406/270406-38425-20.html
3. Embassy of the United States, Caracas, Venezuela. Measles vaccinations for airline passengers departing Venezuela. Accessed 24 May 2006. Available at: http://caracas.usembassy.gov/
4. Public Health Agency of Canada. Travel Medicine Program. Measles and rubella vaccination departure requirements - Venezuela. 19 May 2006. Accessed 24 May 2006. Available at: http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/tmppmv/2006/measvene060519_e.h tml
Links
Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidance on the current situation: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-oversea
Department of Health. Immunisation against Infectious Disease. Chapter 22. Measles. (Draft). Accessed 24 May 2006. Available at:
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