Jamaica Issues Travel Warning When Visiting the USA

The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising travelers to countries known to have circulating measles virus to ensure that they are adequately protected. 

One of those countries identified by Jamaica in this measles virus alert on June 14, 2019, is the USA.

From January to June 6, 2019, 1,022 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 28 US states. 

Persons, who develop a fever and rash after visiting a country known to have measles cases, must contact their healthcare provider or visit a health center immediately. 

Since the recent breakout of measles in the Region of the Americas, there has been no case of measles reported in Jamaica. 

Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie notes in the press release  that “Vaccination is the only way to prevent the spread of measles.” 

“The Ministry is seeking the full cooperation of parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive 2 doses of the measles vaccine, especially before traveling to a country that is known to have reported cases of measles.” Dr. Bisasor McKenzie added. 

Jamaica provides the measles vaccines free of cost to children. And, persons who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or visit a health center. 

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Additionally, the Jamaican Health Ministry wishes to remind persons traveling to countries known to have circulating yellow fever virus that vaccination against yellow fever is a requirement for travel.

The Stamaril Yellow Fever vaccine is provided at a cost at the Montego Bay Type V Health Centre in St. James and the Slipe Pen Road Comprehensive Health Centre in Kingston.

Countries known to require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Togo. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a map where you can double-check your destination and see if the yellow fever vaccine is recommended.

When in doubt, it’s always better to receive the vaccine than have trouble at the airport later, or worse, contract the disease, says the CDC.

Related Jamaica news:

• Vaccination Week 2019 Targets Measles
• Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic Level 2 Travel Advisories Reissued
• Dengue Virus Hot-Spots Are Getting Hotter

Previously, Jamaica reported its Dengue Fever Virus outbreak had reached 339 suspected and confirmed cases, including 6 deaths, as of February 4th, 2019.

Pre-travel vaccination counseling sessions can be scheduled at Vax-Before-Travel.