Measles Becomes a Global Health Risk

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles cases increased by about 80% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

In addition, travel experts continue to warn of expanding measles outbreaks in 2023.

For example, the CDC's top ten list of measles outbreaks is led by India, which has reported over 47,979 cases over the past year.

To emphasize this health risk, the CDC issued a Global Measles Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions notice on April 6, 2023.

While the U.S. has reported very few measles cases this year, recent cases in Kentucky, Utah, and Ohio have been highlighted in national media.

As of March 30, 2023, the CDC reported six measles cases in 2023 and 121 cases in six U.S. jurisdictions during 2022.

To reduce traveler's health risk, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, with various vaccines approved in the U.S. and available to local clinics and community pharmacies.