India's Measles Outbreak Exceeds 73,000 Cases

The U.S. CDC's Emergency Preparedness and Response today issued Health Alert Network Health Advisory #CDCHAN-00493 regarding ongoing global measles outbreaks.

As the summer 2023 travel season begins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds clinicians and public health officials to provide guidance for measles prevention to international travelers and to be on alert for measles cases.  

For example, India has reported 73,536 measles cases over the past year. 

And popular travel destinations, such as London, England, have recently experienced measles outbreaks. The U.K. Health Security Agency reported from January through April 20, 2023, 49 measles cases have been confirmed.

Furthermore, the Pan American Health Organization estimated more than 1.7 million children in 28 countries and territories of the Americas did not receive an initial dose of the measles vaccine by their first birthday during the recent pandemic.

In the U.S., the CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed measles cases across 11 jurisdictions as of June 8, 2023, with 14 (88%) linked to international travel. 

Previously, the Columbus, Ohio Department of Health announced its multi-month measles outbreak was declared ended in February 2023 after 85 confirmed measles cases in children, of which most were unvaccinated.

And there was a recent measles outbreak in Kentucky. 

The Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed three measles cases in 2023, and Jefferson County Public Schools conducted measles vaccination clinics for about 10,000 unvaccinated students.

Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious, as one person infected by measles can contaminate about 90% of their unvaccinated close contacts, says the CDC.

The good news is vaccination can protect most people from contracting measles while traveling abroad.

All international travelers, including most infants and preschool-aged children, should be fully vaccinated (2 doses) with a measles vaccine two weeks before departure, says the CDC's Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions alert.

Globally, there are various measles-prevention vaccines offered in 2023.

Additional international measles outbreak news is posted by Vax-Before-Travel.