Measles Risk: CDC Travel Warning
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding the elevated risk of contracting measles while traveling, particularly for unvaccinated individuals.
- Of the 1,088 measles cases reported this year, the CDC reports that 96% occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
- While about 90% of confirmed cases are linked to domestic outbreaks, the CDC has received reports of at least 62 instances where contagious travelers flew into or within...
CDC Issues Measles Travel Warning as Cases Surge
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding the elevated risk of contracting measles while traveling, particularly for unvaccinated individuals. This alert follows a meaningful increase in measles cases within the United states, reaching levels not seen since 2000.
Of the 1,088 measles cases reported this year, the CDC reports that 96% occurred in unvaccinated individuals. The agency emphasizes that travelers can contract the highly contagious virus in various travel settings, including airports, train stations, public transportation, tourist attractions, and crowded events.
While about 90% of confirmed cases are linked to domestic outbreaks, the CDC has received reports of at least 62 instances where contagious travelers flew into or within the U.S. Investigations revealed at least one instance of measles spreading during air travel, with confirmed cases among passengers seated near each other.
The CDC urges international travelers to receive full measles vaccination with the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure. This includes a dose for infants aged 6-11 months and, for those 12 months or older without sufficient immunity, doses administered at least 28 days apart.
Texas is currently experiencing the highest number of measles infections, with 225 cases reported since January. Nationwide, 14 outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, have been reported this year, compared to 16 in all of 2024. Three deaths have been attributed to measles.
The CDC also removed its list of countries with a “high incidence” of measles, rather cautioning that the virus poses “an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected.”
”Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,” the agency said.
What’s next
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and encourages travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling, especially internationally, to mitigate the risk of infection and further spread of the disease.