CDC Adjusts International Travel Guidelines Amid Spike in Measles Cases

With measles making a global comeback - cases increased 79 percent in 2023 - the CDC is issuing new guidelines for those planning to travel abroad.

“Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, adding: “The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.”

In particular, the CDC website says Americans who intend to visit other countries should consult with a doctor six weeks prior if there’s any question about whether they’ve had the measles vaccine. Travelers are at risk of contracting measles if they've not been fully vaccinated two weeks ahead of traveling abroad, says the agency's travel advisory.

“All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

In another notable update, Russia and Malaysia have been added to the CDC’s map of 46 countries that are experiencing a significant uptick in measles cases. Some of the additional countries where health officials have reported large measles outbreaks include Afghanistan, Armenia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. To view the full list of countries experiencing a significant measles outbreak, visit the CDC website.

And if you do travel abroad and develop any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends seeking medical care:

• Rash
• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red watery eyes
  
  

It’s also important to remember that measles is highly contagious, per the CDC website. Additionally, travelers who have suspected measles should notify a healthcare facility before visiting so staff can prepare with appropriate measures in advance to prevent spread within the facility itself.

A separate page on the CDC website points out that two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97 percent protection against measles, while one dose provides 93 percent protection.

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