Measles jab advice for Manx travellers to US

Seventeen American states have reported an outbreak of measles, and the Manx government is warning anyone travelling to the country to ensure they are vaccinated.

The Department of Health and Social Care says measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases, and anyone who is not immune is at risk.

The department says the MMR vaccine gives very high protection and is totally safe, dismissing any link between the jab and autism.

If you're travelling to America, make sure any child aged over 6 months has had at least one dose of MMR.

Any adults who have not had the vaccine in the past should get advice from their GP first.

If you need the jab, make sure you get it well before you plan to travel to make sure the vaccination has developed its full protection before you leave.

Travellers are also being urged to wise-up to the symptoms - fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose, red eyes or joint pain - and to seek medical advice immediately if anyone in their group or family develops these.