Key points
- Measles cases in the United States often originate from unvaccinated international travelers.
- If you’re not already vaccinated or don’t know if you are, you should be vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before international travel.
- Call your doctor immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
Before international travel
Do not travel if you are sick!
Protect yourself against measles
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If you haven't been vaccinated or don't know your vaccination status you should plan to be vaccinated before traveling internationally. For the best protection, you should plan to be vaccinated against measles with 2 doses of MMR at least 2 weeks before you depart. If you or your child already received 1 dose of MMR, get your second dose before your trip. If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you're not protected, you should still get a dose of MMR. The MMR vaccine protects against all 3 diseases.
- Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.
- One dose provides 93% protection.
Call your doctor or your local health department; or locate a health center or clinic near you to schedule an appointment for the MMR vaccine. CDC does not recommend measles vaccine for infants younger than 6 months of age.
Infants under 12 months old who are traveling
- Get an early dose at 6 through 11 months.
- Follow CDC recommendations and get:
- Another dose at 12 through 15 months.
- A final dose at 4 through 6 years.
Children over 12 months old with no evidence of immunity*
- Get first dose immediately.
- Get second dose 28 days after first dose.
Teens & adults with no evidence of immunity*
- Get first dose immediately.
- Get second dose 28 days after first dose.
*Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:
- Written documentation of adequate vaccination
- Laboratory evidence of immunity
- Laboratory confirmation of measles
- Birth before 1957
After international travel
Watch your health for 3 weeks after you return. Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 people who come into close contact with that person will also become infected if they are not protected.
- People who are infected can spread measles to others from 4 days before a rash develops through 4 days after the rash appears.
- Measles symptoms typically include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye)
- Rash (3–5 days after symptoms begin)
Countries having measles outbreaks
Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Each year, an estimated 128,000 people die from measles. Many countries and popular travel destinations have experienced measles outbreaks in recent years. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination.
U.S. measles outbreaks
In the United States, measles cases often originate from international travel.
The disease can be brought into the United States by unvaccinated people who get infected in other countries. Typically, 2 out of 3 of these unvaccinated travelers are Americans. They can spread measles to other people who are not protected against measles, which sometimes leads to outbreaks.
When unvaccinated travelers bring measles to the United States it can spread rapidly. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk if exposed. Protect yourself, your family, and your community with the MMR vaccine, especially before traveling internationally or to an area with a measles outbreak.