Measles Outbreaks in Africa

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reconfirmed measles is an ongoing risk worldwide. In Africa, various countries have reported measles outbreaks, meaning the number of measles cases is higher than normal.

The CDC issued a Level 1 Travel Alert on June 30, 2021, notifying 'all travelers to Africa, including infants and pre-school aged children, should be fully protected against measles.'

'Keep in mind that destinations reporting measles outbreaks are not the only places where the infection is a risk. Locations where measles is common may have many cases but not be considered to have an outbreak.

Caused by a highly contagious virus, measles spreads from person to person by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Signs and symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes. People can spread measles up to 4 days before and 4 days after they have a rash.

Measles can also spread in airports, on public transportation, and at tourist attractions. Thus, it is critical for travelers to be protected against measles, regardless of destination, says the CDC.

Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to ensure that you are protected, says the CDC. 

There are two measles-containing vaccines available in the USA: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR-II) for those aged 6 months and older, and measles, mumps, rubella & varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children aged 1 through 12 years.