BREAKING NEWS

Japan faces German measles outbreak

An outbreak of German measles (rubella) in Japan was reported this week by the Health Ministry, which recommended that Israeli travelers to that country get vaccinated against measles, mumps and German measles (MMR vaccine) before going there.
Ninety percent of the 5,000 cases are adults aged 20 to 40. According to estimates, the outbreak will peak in June.
Pregnant women sick with German measles are at risk for serious birth defects in their fetuses. A baby aged six to 11 months needs one dose of vaccine. Children under the age of 17 need two doses, at least four weeks apart, as do adults born after 1957. Anyone born before that is considered protected.
Shots are given in clinics for Israelis going abroad.