[Notice from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare] Notice regarding the prevention of the spread of measles

 

Measles, a highly contagious disease that can easily lead to severe illness, is spreading at the fastest pace since 2020. Masks and handwashing are insufficient for preventing measles infection; vaccination is crucial. Measles is not a disease that is harmless; it often leads to severe illness such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and enteritis, and even in developed countries, it can cause severe illness, with an estimated 1 in 1,000 deaths. To prevent further spread of the infection, we ask for your cooperation regarding the following matters.

 

If you have symptoms that suggest measles, please refrain from going out. If you need to see a doctor, please contact the medical institution in advance and​ ​follow their instructions.

To help prevent the spread of infection, we ask for your cooperation in avoiding the use of public transportation as much as possible when visiting our clinic.

 

To prevent the spread of measles, investigations by the government into patients and their contacts are crucial. Your cooperation is appreciated.

 

From the perspective of preventing yourself from developing the disease, preventing severe illness, and preventing the spread of infection within a group, it is important to receive two doses of the vaccine.

If your child is 1 year old or in the year before starting school, which are eligible for routine measles and rubella vaccinations, please consider getting them vaccinated as soon as possible.

• Several major outbreaks have been reported overseas. If your vaccination record is insufficient, please consider getting vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling.

​Individuals born before April 1, 2000, may not have received both doses of the routine measles vaccine due to the infection situation at the time. If you cannot confirm a history of measles infection or two doses of vaccination in your maternal and child health handbook, please consider getting vaccinated against measles and rubella again. Furthermore, given that the current outbreak is mainly affecting people in their teens to 40s, we especially ask those in this age group to consider getting vaccinated.

 

In particular, the following individuals should consider getting vaccinated if their vaccination status is insufficient.

- People who frequently come into contact with young children or patients, such as Day Nursery or school staff, or healthcare workers.

- Airport staff, tourism industry staff, and others who have frequent contact with travelers

• Measles-rubella vaccination cannot be administered during pregnancy. Due to the risk of premature birth or miscarriage, please consider getting vaccinated before becoming pregnant.

If you have an immunodeficiency, please consult with your doctor before considering measles-rubella vaccination.

Infants and young children are at risk of developing pneumonia or encephalitis, so please check the vaccination history of your family.


Notice from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Information for departing passengers

　

Information for those returning to Japan