59 Countries Under CDC Measles Watch

The World Health Organization recently reported that measles outbreaks have been reported in 103 countries over the last five years. There were an estimated 10.3 million measles cases in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022.

According to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 59 countries outside the Region of the Americas, which includes Canada and the U.S., have reported measles outbreaks this year.

In 2024, the CDC reported 283 measles cases (49 imported) in 32 U.S. jurisdictions, led by Minnesota, with 70 patients.

Additionally, recent bursts of measles cases in Ontario and New Brunswick have increased Canada's total to 160, the highest number in nearly a decade.

On December 16, 2024, the CDC republished its Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions, Global Measles Outbreak Advisory. The CDC wrote that all international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants.

Insurance policies generally fund MMR vaccines, available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Furthermore, travelers to at-risk areas should seek medical care if they develop measles symptoms. However, they should alert their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic.