Measles Outbreaks Reconfirmed

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reissued its Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions notice regarding the ongoing worldwide measles outbreak.

As of May 16, 2023, the CDC has compiled an extensive list of countries reporting measles outbreaks in 2023.

This list is led by India, with about 68,000 measles cases.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

Furthermore, people can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.

While there have only been ten measles cases in the U.S. this year, this virus remains a risk to anyone under-vaccinated.

The CDC says all international travelers, including infants and preschool-aged children, should be protected against measles before traveling abroad.

Various measles vaccines are offered in the U.S. at clinics and community pharmacies.