Thread: Important health info for anyone going to Germany in the coming months

World Cup and all other 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.

(This is for Australians but will be world effective)

Nice heads up Ally

I thought it might be handy for those going on river cruises or extended stays pre/post cruise/river cruise in that area of Germany, not just those going to watch the football.

Many of our cruisers are headed to Warnmunde and Berlin during their Baltic cruises. Better safe than spotted is always my motto......
Thanks for posting this Ally!!!

Originally Posted by PagodaSwan

I thought it might be handy for those going on river cruises or extended stays pre/post cruise/river cruise in that area of Germany, not just those going to watch the football.

I'll add my thanks, as well. The First Mate and I are going to be Rhine River cruising in June and July. I will contact my physician for recommendations. Thanks again.

Good job Ally-great information. We sometimes forget that measels can be so dangerous.

There are now multi-country health advice notices for all travellers either transiting or staying in the North Rhineland/Westfalia area of Germany.

All tourists should seek medical advice regarding vaccination against measles/rubella.

Women especially are at risk if in the early stages of pregnancy as catching or being close to those with measles/rubella can cause complications with the unborn child.

If you are at all unsure about your immunisation status, please see your doctor before travelling to Germany.

Hopefully this thread can be made a sticky somewhere that cannot be missed. This is very important travel advice for those going to Germany in the coming weeks and months.

Thanks for making this a sticky

Please remember this disease is AIRBORNE it isn't caught through touch like gastic problems, this is caught in the same way as a cold or flu.

It cannot be stressed enough how dangerous this disease can be if caught as an adult, anyone with poor overall health and early pregnancy.

Anyone with any concerns should see their doctor as soon as possible before travelling.

Details of what this disease is and what it is capable of can be found here...

http://www.medinfo.co.uk/conditions/measles.html

Measles can be fatal or lead to continuing disability, so prevention is much the best option, as no cure yet exists.

Originally Posted by PagodaSwan

There are now multi-country health advice notices for all travellers either transiting or staying in the North Rhineland/Westfalia area of Germany.

All tourists should seek medical advice regarding vaccination against measles/rubella.

Women especially are at risk if in the early stages of pregnancy as catching or being close to those with measles/rubella can cause complications with the unborn child.

If you are at all unsure about your immunisation status, please see your doctor before travelling to Germany.

OK, when I was growing up, Rubella was the medical name for the German measles (how ironic!), which is different from regular measles, which is also called rubeola. Which measles are they concerned about?