Two doses of MMR vaccine can offer 97% protection from measles.
Measles cases are increasing in the U.S., with two deaths reported—one involving a child in Texas and another an adult in New Mexico. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert and released guidance ahead of spring break travel. If you’re planning to travel in the coming weeks, stay informed and consult your healthcare provider.
Current Situation
So far this year, the U.S. has reported three measles outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) and more than 200 people are sick. In Maryland, a positive case was reported after an individual traveled internationally. The state’s health department is working to identify people who may have been exposed to help contain the spread.
Cases have also been reported in Alaska, California, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Georgia. Across the border, Canada is experiencing an uptick in cases, with 95 reported illnesses in Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Children under five years old are at the highest risk, but unvaccinated adults can also become seriously ill. According to the CDC, one in five people who contract measles requires hospitalization.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Symptoms typically appear 7–10 days after exposure and include high fever, rash, cough, and runny nose. An infected person is contagious four days before the rash appears and remains so for four days after it disappears.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to robust immunization efforts. However, declining vaccination rates have led to its resurgence. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against the virus. Public health experts emphasize the importance of herd immunity, which requires 95% of the population to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles.
Related: Measles Cases Increase in Florida
What Should You Do?
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Before traveling, ensure you and your family are up to date on vaccinations. One dose of the vaccine offers 93% protection, while two doses—administered at least 28 days apart—provide 97% protection.
The CDC advises discussing vaccination options with your healthcare provider, “especially if you or your child plan to travel to an area with an ongoing outbreak or internationally.”
Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least six weeks before traveling to allow time for both doses. If vaccination isn’t an option, consider altering your travel plans to avoid exposure. Not only could you become ill, but you could also bring the virus back to your community.
Stay informed by monitoring the CDC’s health notice on measles. Currently, the advisory is at Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions.
After your trip, monitor your health for three weeks. If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider and inform them of your travel history. Do not visit a clinic or hospital without an appointment, as measles is highly contagious and can spread easily.
Related: Did an Unvaccinated Tourist Reintroduce Measles to Another Popular Travel Destination?
