The Ministry of Health is reminding travelers to take important precautions against measles, a highly contagious disease that is more common in some parts of the world.
Ensure You’re Protected Before You Travel
- Get Vaccinated: Check that you are up to date with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
- You should be vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before international travel.
- Children: The first dose is recommended at 12–15 months, and the second at 4–6 years.
- Adults Born After 1957: If you’ve never had measles or the vaccine, talk to your doctor to confirm that you’ve had two doses, at least four weeks apart.
Practice Safe Habits During Travel
- Wear a Mask: Use a mask in crowded places or public transportation.
- Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
- Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people showing signs of illness.
Know the Symptoms of Measles
- Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and feeling unwell.
- A rash typically appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading to the body. The rash lasts 4–7 days.
What to Do If You Feel Unwell
- Before Travel: If you feel sick, postpone your trip and consult a healthcare provider.
- During or After Travel: If symptoms develop, isolate yourself and seek medical care immediately. Inform the healthcare provider about your travel history.
- Exposure to Measles: If you’ve been in contact with someone with measles, contact your doctor or nurse right away to see if you need vaccination.
If you suspect you have measles, do not visit your GP’s office or the hospital without notifying them first.
It’s crucial to avoid exposing others to the virus. Instead, call ahead to your healthcare provider to get guidance on the next steps. They will advise you on the best way to receive care while minimizing the risk to others.
You can also use the Bermuda Hospitals Board's Measles Patient Symptom Self-Assessment guide to determine if you need medical advice or emergency care. If symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing, call the Emergency Department at 239-2009 in advance to get instructions on how to access care safely.
For more information or to address concerns about measles or the MMR vaccine, contact your doctor or the Hamilton Health Centre at 444-0720. Additional details on measles prevention and vaccination can also be found at www.gov.bm/measles and https://www.cdc.gov/measles/travel/index.html