With measles outbreaks currently reported in England and Greece, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel notices for travelers to these countries.
Measles is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles virus is highly contagious and can remain so for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces. Symptoms of measles are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
CDC recommends that travelers to England and Greece protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. . Before departure from the United States, infants (6 through 11 months of age) should have 1 dose of MMR vaccine, and adults and children over 1 year of age should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
The cost of measles: A CDC review
Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and rash, especially if the patient has recently traveled internationally.
Related:
- Second measles case confirmed in Slovakia capital
- England measles outbreaks linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe: PHE
- Measles: Case count rises in Dublin and Meath
- Podcast: Travel Health
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