The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health alert urging travelers to protect themselves against measles before embarking on international trips this summer. With a rise in measles cases, the CDC advises individuals to ensure they have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at least two weeks before departure. Measles is a highly contagious acute viral respiratory illness, and close contact with just one infected person can result in 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals contracting the disease.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases division at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that measles is highly contagious even before the appearance of a rash and can be transmitted from distances as far as 60 feet. While social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic might not be sufficient to prevent measles exposure, Nachman highlights the small aerosolized droplets that allow the disease to spread over significant distances.
Measles can have both short-term and long-term effects on health. Similar to the “long COVID” phenomenon observed with COVID-19, measles contracted at a young age can lead to a condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which affects the central nervous system in children and young adults. SSPE can cause severe brain infection, mental and physical deterioration, coma, and even death.
With a projected increase in international travel and decreased global vaccination rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC expresses concern about a potential surge in measles cases worldwide. The organization reports that 14 out of 16 cases of measles in the first five months of 2023 were linked to international travel, with the majority of those affected being unvaccinated individuals.
Measles is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves an area. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, preceding the development of a rash.
The CDC advises individuals to consult their physicians to determine if they have received one or two doses of the measles vaccine. Vaccination recommendations may vary depending on birth year. People born before 1957, when measles was prevalent in the US, are considered to have low risk but should still consult their doctors. Those born after 1985-88 are recommended to have received two doses of the vaccine. It is crucial to review vaccination history and current medical status with a healthcare professional, as some cases may warrant an exemption from measles vaccination.
For individuals planning international travel, it is important to note that measles remains a common disease in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The CDC advises children to receive their first MMR vaccine dose at 12 to 15 months of age, followed by a second dose at 4, 5, or 6 years old. Infants aged 6–11 months who will be traveling abroad may be considered for an additional MMR vaccine shot. Teens and adults should receive two doses of the vaccine, spaced 28 days apart, at least two weeks before traveling.
Certain individuals, such as infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, or individuals taking specific medications, may be more vulnerable to complications from measles. It is essential to discuss with a healthcare professional if vaccination is suitable in these cases.
In conclusion, taking necessary precautions to prevent measles is imperative, especially for travelers visiting regions where the disease is prevalent. Timely vaccination and consultation with healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading measles.
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