Measles viruses. 3D illustration showing structure of measles virus with surface glycoprotein spikes heamagglutinin-neuraminidase and fusion protein. [Source: 123RF]
With measles spreading throughout the Pacific region, the Marshall Islands has stepped up its prevention campaign this week.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is now requiring travellers to and from the Marshall Islands to have an updated measles vaccine.
Its outreach measles immunisation campaign for young children started two months ago, ramped up this past week with special vaccine clinics being provided in rural communities on Majuro.
In addition, the Ministry of Health is battling ongoing outbreaks of dengue fever and influenza, which have left Majuro hospital’s emergency room, outpatient clinic and inpatient wards overloaded.
This week’s new travel advisory is now being enforced by United Airlines and Nauru Airlines, the two carriers serving the country.
