CDC Updates Measles Travel Warning Amid Rising Cases Linked to Air Travel

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its warning about the risk of contracting measles while traveling, particularly on airplanes, after tallying dozens of cases this year involving travelers who were infectious while flying within the U.S. The CDC now warns that measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected, advising travelers to consider postponing their trip if they cannot get fully vaccinated before departing.

 

Measles Spread During Air Travel

- CDC has received at least 62 reports of travelers who were contagious with the highly transmissible measles virus while flying into the U.S. or within the country.  

- The CDC was able to determine that measles spread during air travel in at least one of those 50 investigated situations.  

- Exposures at the airport itself are more difficult to track, and local health departments lead these investigations.  

Increased Measles Outbreaks Worldwide

- There have been large measles outbreaks reported in neighboring Mexico and Canada in addition to the record surge within the U.S. this year.  

- The CDC has dropped its list of countries with "high incidence" of measles, now warning that the virus is "an ongoing risk around the world".  

Updated CDC Guidance for Travelers

- The CDC now recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated for measles before going to any international destination.  

- The CDC has replaced its previous recommendation that Americans "consider making alternative travel plans" if they could not get vaccinated, and now says travelers should "consider postponing their trip". 

- The CDC has also updated its guidance to doctors advising additional measles vaccines for some domestic travelers as well. 

Continued Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.

- At least 1,088 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year, with two more states reporting their first confirmed cases.  

- Around 90% of these confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks within the U.S., not travel outside the country. 

- While the Southwest outbreak appears to be slowing, federal health officials warn of the risk of renewed spread driven by travel.