CDC warns additional measles cases in US are expected amid upcoming travel season
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Key Points:
- The CDC warns of expected increases in measles cases in the U.S. over the coming months due to rising international and domestic travel during the busy spring and summer seasons.
- Public health departments are urged to report measles cases within 24 hours, conduct contact tracing, and focus outreach efforts on under-vaccinated communities to control the spread.
- As of this year, 1,782 measles cases have been reported across 36 states, with about 92% occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
- The CDC recommends travelers ensure they are vaccinated at least two weeks before travel, with special provisions for earlier vaccination in outbreak areas, and to monitor for symptoms for three weeks after returning.
- Continuous measles transmission for 12 months could cause the U.S. to lose its measles elimination status, potentially marking measles as endemic again after being declared eliminated in 2000.
