After a measles outbreak on an international flight that landed in Denver, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising that “all international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles.” The agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure—if they can’t get vaccinated, they should consider “delaying travel”.
Vaccination Guidelines: The CDC advises that all travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally. This includes two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for those aged 12 months and older, with at least 28 days between doses. For infants aged 6 to 11 months, a single dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended before travel.
Travel Considerations: If travelers cannot get vaccinated, the CDC suggests considering postponing their trips. This recommendation is particularly important given the highly contagious nature of measles and the risk of exposure in crowded travel environments such as airports, train stations, public transportation, tourist attractions, and large gatherings.
Denver Outbreak: The recent measles outbreak on a Turkish Airlines flight that landed in Denver on May 13th involved three confirmed cases, including one child. One of the infected individuals had been vaccinated, highlighting the importance of vaccination even for those who have previously received the vaccine.
Travel-Related Cases: According to the CDC, there have been 62 reported cases of measles related to international travel in the US this year. The agency warns that most people who bring measles into the US are unvaccinated US residents who get infected during international travel.
Vaccine Safety and Efficacy: Multiple large-scale studies have found the MMR vaccine to be safe. The CDC emphasizes that there is no scientific link between the vaccine and autism, and vaccination is crucial for preventing measles.
Complications of Measles: Measles is not just a mild rash; it can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, and may lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling), resulting in hearing loss and cognitive impairments.
Record Increase in Cases: The US has seen a record increase in measles exposure reports, with 1,024 confirmed cases across 31 states and 14 outbreaks as of May 16th, 2025. Texas has been the hardest hit, with over 700 cases and two deaths among children.
Public Health Response: The CDC continues to urge all travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for public health and individual protection.
