17 Measles Travel Alerts Updated by the CDC

In response to the ongoing, worldwide measles epidemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated 17 country Travel Alerts, on March 11, 2019. 

The CDC says to ensure you are fully vaccinated or are otherwise protected against the measles virus before leaving the United States. 

These 17 Travel Alerts are Level 1 status, which says ‘international travelers should ‘Follow Usual Precautions, including being up to date on all recommended vaccines and practicing appropriate mosquito avoidance.’

The following countries were identified by the CDC as having ongoing measles outbreaks:

• Brazil 
• Columbia 
• Democratic Republic of Congo 
• England 
• France 
• Greece 
• Indonesia
• Israel 
• Italy 
• Japan 
• Kazakhstan 
• Madagascar 
• Moldova 
• Philippines 
• Romania 
• Serbia 
• Ukraine 

Previously, the CDC had issued higher level Travel Alerts for countries, such as Venezuela. 

In the USA, 228 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 12 states, by the CDC, between January 1 to March 7, 2019. 

Measles is a disease that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, and even death says the CDC. 

Measles is caused by a highly-contagious virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Signs and symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes. 

International travelers can easily request a vaccination appointment with a local pharmacy at Vax-Before-Travel.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information. And vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.