CDC Urges International Travelers to Be ‘Fully Vaccinated' Against Measles or Consider Postponing
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has recommended that all international travelers be vaccinated against measles amid an ongoing rise in cases of the virus
The agency says those who aren't fully vaccinated should consider "postponing their trip," and those who are unsure of their immunity should get vaccinated before international travel
The news comes after three cases of measles have been linked to an international flight that landed in DenverFollowing an outbreak of measles linked to an international flight that landed in Denver, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has recommended 'all international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles.'
The agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure — and to consider 'postponing their trip' if they're unable to get the shots.
A Turkish Airlines flight that arrived in Denver on May 13 has been linked to an outbreak of the wildly contagious disease, sickening three, including a child. It's part of an ongoing struggle with measles spreading via air travel: This year, there have been 62 cases of measles linked to international travel, CBS News quotes a CDC spokesperson as saying.
The CDC warns that 'most people who bring measles into the United States are unvaccinated U.S. residents who get infected during international travel.'
However, in its recent alert, the CDC warns about not just contracting the virus on a plane — but throughout the entire trip, as 'travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events.' In March, there was exposure on an Amtrak train to Washington, D.C.
The agency reiterates that the 2-dose measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travelers, starting with infants at 6 months of age.
'CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination,' the agency reiterates, adding that those who are 'unsure of their immunity' should get the vaccine as well.
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The agency's warning comes amid a record rise in reports of measles exposures in the U.S. In May, someone attended a Shakira concert in New Jersey while infectious with measles. Kansas is struggling with a double outbreak of tuberculosis and measles. And the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has resulted in three deaths.
'Measles isn't just a little rash,' the CDC says. It also can cause a high fever, cough, runny nose and may lead to pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can cause hearing loss and cognitive disabilities.
Multiple large-scale studies have found that vaccines are safe. There is no scientific link between vaccines and autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
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More measles exposures are happening at airports and tourist destinations. Here's what travelers need to know
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