The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has increased its warning about contracting measles while traveling after dozens of cases were reported among infected passengers on airplanes within the US. The agency now advises that travelers can catch measles in various settings, including airports, public transportation, tourist attractions, and crowded events.
Since January, at least 62 reports have been made of contaminated travelers flying into or within the country. The CDC was able to determine that measles spread during air travel in one instance among airline passengers sitting near each other.
Meanwhile, health authorities in neighboring Mexico and Canada have also reported large outbreaks of measles. All international travelers are recommended to be fully vaccinated for measles before traveling. The CDC now advises travelers to postpone their trip if possible.
As of Friday, the CDC reported at least 1,088 cases of measles this year, with two new states, Iowa and Nebraska, reporting their first confirmed cases. Around 90% of confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks within the US, not travel abroad. The agency’s preliminary data shows a rise in measles cases for the second week in a row, despite some slowdown in the outbreak in Texas and neighboring states.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-measles-travel-warning-spread-in-airplane