Experts have warned that measles cases are on the rise globally and not just in developing countries.  The US has had outbreaks in Washington, California, Texas and Illinois.  A suburb of New York City has declared a state of emergency and banned unvaccinated children from public areas.

There was a time when it was almost inconceivable that anyone born in the UK would not have had the MMR vaccine which includes Measles.  However there have been much lower vaccination rates since the early 2000’s and those born around that time are beginning to enter the workforce.  It also cannot be assumed that UK employees born outside the UK will have been vaccinated.

Employers who send their staff on business overseas have a duty of care in criminal and common law to assess the risks they are exposed to and take measures to reduce exposure.  That includes health risks.  The requirements will be covered in more detail in the next update.