Measles
Measles is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. The disease can be prevented by vaccination. Although initially thought to be eliminated in the United States in 2000, 2019 marked an increase in measles (rubeola) in the United States. Measles infections are expected to continue to rise because more and more people are not getting vaccinated.
In the U.S., measles is generally transmitted by U.S. residents who become infected while traveling abroad and spread the infection to unvaccinated or unprotected people when they return, or by infected visitors from other countries. However, there has been an increase in domestic outbreaks so travelers should be aware of local risk at their destination.
Outbreaks can grow and spread quickly when people who are unvaccinated and unprotected visit the same places as infected people, such as neighborhoods, schools, stores, amusement parks, airports, hospitals or workplaces.
It is important for everyone to take steps to prevent measles from spreading. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
Measles Prevention Tips
The best tool for prevention of measles disease is vaccination.
Before traveling internationally make sure you are up-to-date on all measles vaccinations.