As millions of Americans prepare to travel abroad this summer and measles outbreaks increase around the world, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns travelers of potential health threats. We have strengthened our guidance on how to deal with this.
Americans planning to travel to other countries should at least consult a doctor 6 weeks The guidelines say in case you are unsure whether you are up to date with the measles vaccine before you travel.
That's two weeks earlier than the CDC said in November that a month's notice was required to allow enough time for vaccinations.
Russia and Malaysia have also been added to the CDC's map of 46 countries currently facing large measles outbreaks. But authorities have warned that the global rise in measles cases remains a threat in other parts of the world.
“Measles is rapidly spreading and may pose a risk to travelers in locations not included in the list above. CDC recommends that all travelers receive a measles vaccine when traveling to international destinations. “We recommend that all patients be fully vaccinated,” the agency emphasized in its guidance.
In recent weeks, health officials have stepped up their calls for Americans to get vaccinated before traveling this year.
Officials cited recent outbreaks linked to travelers who were infected overseas and were eligible for vaccination. CBS News report.
That includes an outbreak linked to unvaccinated infants reported in Philadelphia over the winter. The infant was old enough to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Another case in Idaho has been linked to an unvaccinated adult who traveled to Europe, state health officials said. CBS News report.
“The World Health Organization has noted a significant increase in measles cases around the world, with a 30-fold increase in Europe. This includes international tourist destinations popular with Americans, such as the United Kingdom. The CDC said in a report released earlier this month.
According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Experts say protection is lifelong.
Most Americans receive two doses of a vaccine by age 6, but vaccination rates have declined in recent years.
In the United States, state and local health officials have announced at least 55 confirmed or suspected measles cases in 17 states so far this year. CBS News report.
This is close to the total of 58 measles cases reported by the CDC for all of 2023. The last peak in annual measles cases was in 2019, when 1,274 infections were reported. CBS News report.
Most of the new cases over the past week have been in Chicago, where health officials are trying to contain the spread in migrant shelters. California and Arizona also announced new cases in the past week.
This was announced by a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health. CBS News Four measles cases have been reported across the state, with “cases associated with travel to endemic countries due to reduced routine immunizations.”
Meanwhile, authorities in Coconino County, Arizona, also announced a new case on March 11th. Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes Phoenix, has reported three cases so far this year, but the new cases were not linked to those cases or to international travel. CBS News report.
For more information:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about measles.
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