The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is strongly urging Americans who are not vaccinated against measles to reconsider their travel plans. This recommendation comes as the agency has escalated its health travel warning following the alarming spread of the measles virus on U.S. airplanes. The CDC's previous advice suggested that unvaccinated individuals should "consider making alternative travel plans," but it has now shifted to advising travelers to "consider postponing their trip." This change reflects the growing concern over the virus's transmission during air travel.
Current estimates indicate that approximately 10 percent of U.S. adults may lack immunity to measles, which could affect around 25 million individuals. This lack of immunity is attributed to either never having received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or experiencing diminished immunity over time. Recent months have seen a resurgence of measles infections, particularly at major airports across the country, largely due to low vaccination rates.
In a recent investigation, the CDC confirmed that at least one case of measles transmission occurred during air travel, prompting a more stringent advisory for all travelers. The CDC now recommends that all U.S. travelers be fully vaccinated for measles before embarking on any international flights.
In addition, healthcare professionals are being encouraged to administer additional measles vaccinations to domestic travelers heading to Texas, where over 700 cases have been reported this year alone. The CDC's updated guidance, published on Wednesday, highlighted that "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."
As of this year, the CDC has documented 62 reports of individuals infected with measles while flying either into or within the U.S. An analysis of 50 of these cases revealed that measles could spread during flights, particularly when confirmed infectious individuals were seated next to other passengers. This finding underscores the importance of vaccination for anyone planning to travel.
The latest warning was issued after three passengers on a Turkish Airlines flight into Denver International Airport tested positive for measles, including one vaccinated adult. While precise data on the number of unvaccinated adults is limited, historical estimates suggest that about 10 percent may lack immunity, translating to nearly 25 million adults in the U.S. population of approximately 258 million.
Notably, around 90 percent of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. are linked to outbreaks within the country rather than international travel. Symptoms of measles, which typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure, include a blotchy rash, fever, cough, and runny nose. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, which can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Measles poses a significant risk, especially to young children. The CDC reports that one in 20 unvaccinated children who contract the virus may develop pneumonia, while one in 1,000 could suffer from severe brain swelling. So far this year, a total of 1,088 measles cases have been reported in the U.S., including two tragic deaths of unvaccinated young girls.
In light of these developments, it is critical for travelers to stay informed about their vaccination status and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them from this highly contagious disease.
