Over 45 countries* are facing measles outbreaks¹

Measles isn’t just a little rash. Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.^3,4

If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people around that person will also become infected if they are not protected. People who are infected with measles can spread it to others up to 4 days before and after rash develops.⁵

Measles is not a seasonal virus. However, measles is often spread over times of high travel (such as spring and summer breaks) or in situations where unvaccinated persons are in close quarters.²

Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, almost 1,300 cases of measles were reported in 31 states in the U.S. in 2019— the greatest number since 1992. The 2019 U.S. measles outbreaks were all linked to travel-related cases that reached at-risk populations (un- or under vaccinated against measles) in the United States.²

Measles starts with fever and soon after causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes.^2,3 Following this, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out, starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications. After you return from your trip, call your healthcare provider if you or your child gets sick with a rash and fever.^2,4,6

Before any international travel, find out if you or your family needs measles vaccination by speaking with your healthcare provider.