The CDC is urging all Americans to get fully vaccinated against measles before international travel, responding to a dangerous surge in global cases and rising risk of transmission in transit zones like airports and airplanes.
At a Glance
- CDC now recommends measles vaccination for all international travelers.
- Shift follows measles resurgence and new patterns of transmission in transit.
- Children under 12 months advised to receive early MMR doses before trips.
- Over 1,000 measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2025 across 33 states.
- Measles often enters U.S. via unvaccinated travelers returning from abroad.
Why the CDC Changed Course
On May 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its travel guidance, calling for all U.S. citizens going abroad to ensure full vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Previously, only travel to regions experiencing outbreaks triggered specific vaccine recommendations.
The revised policy follows a disturbing trend: measles is no longer confined to outbreak zones. According to NBC Washington, transmission is increasingly occurring in transit — especially in crowded airports and enclosed flights.
Watch a report: CDC issues new travel warning as measles cases surge.
A Growing Global Threat
The CDC now advises that travelers aged 12 months and older receive two doses of MMR, spaced at least 28 days apart. For infants aged 6–11 months, one early dose is recommended, though it doesn’t count toward the standard two-dose series.
According to People Magazine, over 1,000 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. this year, including 62 directly linked to international travel. Many of these cases stem from unvaccinated travelers who became infected abroad and returned while contagious.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reinforced the CDC’s stance: “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Measles Risks and Realities
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through coughing, sneezing, or simply breathing the same air as an infected person. The virus can linger for up to two hours in the air after a carrier has left. Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, red eyes, and a blotchy rash that appears days later.
Complications can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death — especially in young children under age 5. “Measles isn’t just a little rash,” the CDC warns. It remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide.
The message for American travelers is now unequivocal: check your vaccination status, complete your shots, and don’t risk contributing to a preventable public health crisis.
