The Virgin Islands’ Ministry of Health and Social Development has issued a travel advisory to countries such as São Paulo, Brazil; Israel, Philippines and the Ukraine.

The advisory is as a result of an ongoing measles outbreak in these countries. The ministry is therefore recommending that travellers to these areas be adequately vaccinated against the disease.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms usually develop ten to12 days after exposure to an infected person and last seven to ten days. Initial symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104 °F), cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes.

Persons are reminded the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones are to ensure that they are administered both doses of the MMR vaccine. They are also advised to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before their departure date. If their trip is less than two weeks away and they are not protected against measles, they are advised to get vaccinated. 

Persons are also asked to telephone or visit their health care provider as soon as possible to determine if they are fully protected against measles.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.