The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put out a health alert due to a increase in measles cases in the U.S. and abroad, with domestic infections matching last year's total already in 2023.
Up to last week, the CDC has verified 58 measles cases across 17 states and cities this year. The agency mentioned in its alert that the majority — 54 cases — have been connected to international travel.
“Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are dealing with measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and decrease the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be up to date on their MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccinations,” the alert explained.
Vaccination against measles is highly effective against infection with a full two-dose schedule providing 97 percent effectiveness. But immunization rates have seen a slight decline in recent years, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-vaccine sentiment.
Measles is highly contagious, especially for unvaccinated groups. Symptoms of infection can include fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye, as well as a characteristic rash. Measles spreads through the air and can stay on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.
The virus can infect up to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to it.
The CDC suggested early childhood education providers and health care providers to ensure that students are up-to-date with MMR vaccinations. The agency also stressed that all U.S. residents six months or older with no evidence of immunity with plans to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccines before departure.
