49 Countries Confirm Measles Outbreaks in 2024

Measles outbreaks remain an ongoing health risk worldwide, and various health officials are taking action to limit this vaccine-preventable disease.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 49 countries are now reporting measles outbreaks.

The CDC stated on March 22, 2024, that travelers to these countries, including the United States, are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure or have not had measles in the past and travel internationally.

The CDC says the majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.

For example, the Chicago (Illinois) Department of Public Health has reported 52 measles cases in unvaccinated people at a local shelter this year.

According to the CDC's vaccination recommendations for international travel, all travelers, including most children, should be fully vaccinated against measles with a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Measles vaccines are generally offered at health clinics and community pharmacies in the U.S.