Singapore reports two dozen measles cases in travelers to the Philippines
The Singapore Ministry of Health issued an measles advisory Friday noting that 23 of the 72 measles cases reported this year were in people who traveled to the Philippines. The Philippines are experiencing a serious measles outbreak this year accounting for thousands of cases since the beginning of the year.
Health officials note that half of the local cases (49) were young children who had missed their vaccination. The Ministry of Health (MOH) advises parents to ensure that their young children receive two doses of MMR vaccination on time (first dose at 12 months and second dose at 15 to 18 months). Pre-school children who have missed their two doses of measles vaccination should also be vaccinated without delay.
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination is recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
In addition, the MOH advises persons travelling to the Philippines, including Filipinos living in Singapore who return to the Philippines for a home visit, are also advised to be vaccinated, if they have not been vaccinated against measles, or not had measles before.
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