An unprecedented rise in measles cases in the United States and Europe has put travelers on high alert for the much-needed vaccination. Measles is one of the world’s most infectious viral diseases with the ability to cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis and represents a major global public health problem.
Current Situation in The USA
As of March 28, 2025, the United States has confirmed 483 cases of measles across 20 jurisdictions, rising above the cases reported during the entire year of 2024. Texas remains the state hardest hit, with 400 cases mostly clustered in Gaines County.
Two deaths due to measles during this outbreak are reported; these are the first measles-related deaths in the United States in the last 10 years. Cases in the neighboring New Mexico and Oklahoma states have been traced back to Texas.
Health authorities relate rapid transmission to falling vaccination rates, with a reported 80% vaccination coverage in Gaines County, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Currently, most of the cases are seen in unvaccinated groups, particularly children ages 5 to 17 and children less than 5 years old.
Europeans are witnessing a spectacular resurgence of measles, with the highest number ever recorded in over 25 years. After a decline in immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic period, markedly increased cases started to emerge in 2023 and 2024. In a number of European communities, vaccination rates still have not reached pre-pandemic levels, thus increasing the chances of outbreaks.
Impacts of Travelers
Travel to solidly affected areas in the United States and Europe with regard to measles exposure has been rife. This disease is so contagious that unvaccinated persons are at high risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every traveler ensure they are up to date with receiving the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is considered 97% effective in preventing the disease.
Preventative Measures
- Vaccination: Verify your receipt of one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. To determine if a booster dose is necessary, persons vaccinated between 1957 and 1968 or having received only one dose should contact their healthcare practitioner.
- Health Advisories: Keep track of the status of measles outbreaks in your destination by consulting places such as the CDC and WHO.
- Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing and refraining from physical contact with individuals who have any of the symptoms since this will reduce the risk of infection.
- Medical Advice after Possible Exposure: Get medical care if you have measles or develop a fever, cough, runny nose, and rashes.
The resurgence of measles in the USA and Europe underlines the necessity to have vaccinations and be alert, most importantly toward travelers. Apart from protecting one’s health, an actual vaccination augments the global efforts toward the control and elimination of measles outbreaks.
