CDC urges travelers to protect themselves from measles this summer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Centers for Disease Control is warning people to make sure they’ve had their mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling this summer.

These vaccines are especially crucial for toddlers and babies, as the CDC says it detects an increase in the number of children getting measles.

In June 2023, the CDC saw five times more measles cases than last year. The CDC says 88% of those patients contracted the virus from international travel.

“We know that when small babies are exposed or contract the virus, they can have far more serious consequences than a school-aged child,” said Dr. Buddy Creech of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Dr Creech said there is no cure for the highly contagious virus, but it can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. He said that since the virus can cause severe symptoms, it’s important to be proactive.

Lucia Camarena booked a flight from Nashville to Mexico. She said that since her one-year-old daughter was traveling with her, she was taking extra precautions.

“Passports, doctor’s appointments, make sure you have all your shots and stuff,” Camarena said as she pondered her to-do list.

Babies are usually vaccinated against measles at their one-year medical check-up, but Dr Creech said the vaccine can be given to babies as young as six months old. This is the recommendation for young families traveling outside of the United States

“It’s really important for children traveling overseas, even to places like London or Western Europe, that they can qualify for vaccinations earlier than they normally would.”

According to the CDC, at least 95% of a community’s population must be vaccinated to prevent a measles outbreak.

Before embarking on our next journey, check your destination and the CDC website to find out if you are at risk of traveling to an area where recent outbreaks of measles have been reported.

Copyright 2023 WSMV. All rights reserved.