CDC

CDC heightens travel alert as measles spreads globally

June 4, 2025

CDC issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice due to rising measles cases worldwide. International travelers are at increased risk and should ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure.

Key points

• All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine:
  One early dose for infants aged 6–11 months.Two doses at least 28 days apart for anyone 12 months and older without adequate evidence of immunity.
• Travelers are at risk if they aren't fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel or haven't had measles previously.
• Most measles cases imported into the U.S. are among unvaccinated U.S. residents infected during international travel.
• Travelers who develop symptoms such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes during or within 3 weeks after travel should seek medical care and call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to prevent potential spread.

What can clinicians do?

• Self-reported vaccination or history of measles infection isn't considered adequate evidence of immunity.
• Clinicians should vaccinate anyone aged 6 months or older traveling internationally who lacks written documentation of vaccination or other acceptable evidence of immunity.
• Acceptable evidence includes:
  Written documentation of adequate vaccination.Laboratory evidence of immunity.Laboratory confirmation of measles.Birth in the U.S. before 1957.
• Infants aged 6–11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before travel.
• Infants who receive one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should be revaccinated according to the routine ACIP schedule (one dose at 12–15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days)

Source:

(2025, May 28). CDC. Global Measles [Travel Notice]. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/measles-globe