New Measles Travel Warning Announced by the CDC

As the bustling summer travel season begins, the CDC has issued a health advisory concerning measles.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging parents to take extra precautions against contracting measles before taking their children to trips abroad.

According to the recent health advisory, the CDC recommends that anybody planning to visit a location where measles is currently spreading get two doses of the MMR vaccination at least two weeks apart.

The measles vaccine may prevent the disease in up to 97% of its recipients. An individual may catch measles merely by being in a room where a person with measles has been, sometimes up to two hours after that person has gone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says on its official web page.

Moreover, incidences of measles in the United States have increased. The first five months of 2023 saw a rise in measles infections in the US, with 16 cases recorded, up from 3 in the same time in 2022. Most instances in the United States may be traced back to overseas travel.

Measles is an acute viral respiratory disease that is very infectious and may have devastating consequences. In most cases, symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes don't appear until 7-14 days after first viral exposure. Measles rash often emerges 3–5 days after the onset of symptoms.

Measles is considered to be a dangerous disease that may cause catastrophic sequelae. Complications are more common in those older than 20 years of age and in children less than 5 years of age. Ear infections and stomach upset are the most common adverse effects. Hospitalization is usually necessary for serious medical conditions including pneumonia and encephalitis.

The most effective method of preventing measles infection is to get vaccinated.

 

Source: travelpulse.com