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| source: parentdata.org |
I’ll be honest, when I used to pack for a trip, I’d stress over forgetting a charger or booking a hotel with no Wi-Fi. The last thing on my mind? Measles.
But in 2025, that mindset’s outdated. Measles is back, and it’s hitting travelers hard. And I only realized how real the risk was when I read that multiple passengers caught it on the same flight I was supposed to be on just a few months ago.
Here’s the latest from the CDC, and why it’s not just a “kid’s disease” anymore.
Why the CDC Just Updated Its Measles Travel Warning
As of late May 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially updated their health advisory for international travelers. Their message is loud and clear:
“Measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected.”
That might sound like something to file under “global health alerts,” but let me translate that into real-life terms:
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You could catch measles at the airport.
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You could be exposed on the plane.
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You could bring it home without even knowing you were sick.
The virus doesn’t care whether you're sipping espresso in Rome, waiting in line at a Tokyo subway station, or running to catch your connecting flight at Denver International.
And trust me, it spreads fast.
Let’s Talk Numbers (Because They Matter)
Here’s where we’re at right now:
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1,088 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2025 so far
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96% of those were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status
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62 cases were directly linked to international travel
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The virus has already made appearances at major hubs like Denver International Airport
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In one outbreak alone, four passengers from a Turkish Airlines flight were infected
Most of these travelers didn’t even know they were exposed until after the fact. And that’s part of what makes measles so dangerous, it’s sneaky.
The virus can linger in the air up to 2 hours after someone sneezes or coughs. So even if the sick passenger left the gate long before you arrived, you could still be at risk.
Why This Isn’t Just a "You’ll Be Fine" Situation
It’s easy to brush off measles as “just a rash” or something you had as a kid. But here's what I’ve learned from diving into the research (and talking to two friends in public health):
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Measles is incredibly contagious, one infected person can spread it to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby.
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The virus doesn’t just cause a rash. It can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and yes, even death.
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Immunity isn’t guaranteed unless you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine. Some adults think they're covered, but aren’t.
And when it comes to travel? Planes, airports, buses, trains, and tourist attractions make perfect breeding grounds for transmission.
What the CDC Recommends (And What I’m Doing Differently Now)
Before you hop on your next flight, the CDC says to double-check your measles immunity, especially if you’re headed overseas. That means:
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Children should have two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
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Adults born after 1957 should confirm they’ve had both doses, or get a booster if unsure
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If you’re pregnant or immune-compromised, talk to your doctor about the safest options
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If you’re not vaccinated and planning to travel, the CDC suggests postponing your trip
I know. That last one’s not fun. But neither is spending your dream vacation stuck in quarantine, or worse, bringing the virus home to a vulnerable family member.
TL;DR: Don’t Let Measles Catch You Off Guard
If you’ve skimmed this far, here’s the takeaway:
Measles isn’t just a thing of the past. It’s traveling, and you could be next if you’re not prepared.
I get it, we’re all tired of disease talk. But this isn’t about panic. It’s about being smart. And responsible. For yourself, your family, and the people around you on that packed 9-hour flight.
So before you pack your passport, do yourself a favor:
✅ Check your vaccination records
✅ Ask your doctor if you’re covered
✅ Don’t assume you’re immune just because you “had shots as a kid”
Because health isn’t just about what you do when you’re sick. It’s about what you do before you get there.