The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued level one Travel Health Notices (THNs) for a “highly contagious virus outbreak.” As of now, 57 countries are affected by the reported outbreak, and travellers and residents are urged to practice hygiene precautions.
The CDC uses THNs to inform people about global health risks during outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters. The government agency aims to advise travellers on protective actions to prevent infection or adverse health effects.
A THN can be posted for a disease outbreak in a country or region, and sporadic cases of a disease in an unusual or new geographic location. Or, for natural and human-made disasters with severe environmental health risks, or infrastructure damage that would limit healthcare services availability, and mass gathering events that can lead to disease outbreaks.
The latest level one THN is for global measles as the CDC says: “Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles.” Travellers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure or have not had measles in the past and travel internationally.
According to the CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel, all international travellers should be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This includes an early dose for infants between 6–11 months old.
Travellers have been told to seek medical care if they develop a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes. The CDC adds: “Measles is highly contagious. Travellers with suspected measles should notify the healthcare facility before visiting so staff can implement precautions to prevent spread within the facility.”
There are four different levels the CDC has regarding how severe a THN is:
- Level 4 – Avoid All Travel
- Level 3 – Reconsider Nonessential Travel
- Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Level 1 – Practice Usual Precautions
What is measles?
Measles is a contagious virus that lives in the mucus of an infected individual’s nose and throat. It can easily spread to others through actions like coughing and sneezing.
The measles virus can survive for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces after an infected person has left the area. If someone breathes in the contaminated air or touches a surface with the virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.
Individuals can transmit measles up to four days before and four days after the appearance of a rash. Symptoms of measles typically include a maculopapular rash, high fever, and respiratory issues such as a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
Measles can be serious for people of all ages and may lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and even death. Certain groups are at a higher risk for complications, such as children under five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like leukaemia or HIV. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhoea, while more serious issues can involve pneumonia and encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain.
What is the current situation?
The CDC says measles is an ongoing risk worldwide. Below is a list of all the 57 countries experiencing high transmission – including the UK.
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liberia
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of the Congo
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Measles can spread quickly and potentially threaten travellers in areas not mentioned in the list above. The CDC advises that all travellers be fully vaccinated against measles before heading to any international location.
What you can to do protect yourself and others:
CDC says: “Travellers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated two weeks prior to departure and travel internationally. Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to make sure that you are protected.
“Infants six through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who had one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12–15 months and a final dose at 4–6 years.
“Children 12 months of age and older, teenagers, and adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity against measles should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days. If the child received a first dose with measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), they should wait 3 months before their second dose.”
If you’re uncertain whether you and your travel companions are fully vaccinated against measles, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your healthcare provider at least six weeks before your trip. This will give you ample time to get vaccinated if needed.
Keep in mind that some individuals may need to avoid the measles vaccine or may need to delay it. If you believe that receiving the vaccine isn’t safe for you, talk with your healthcare provider and consider adjusting your travel plans.
For more information, visit CDC Measles Homepage, Humanitarian Aid Workers, Measles: Plan for Travel, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Information Statement and Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine Information Statement.