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June 21, 2023 - Guidance On Measles During Summer Travel Season


Wednesday, June 21, 2023

As the summer travel season begins, it is important for healthcare professionals and public health officials to prioritize measles prevention among international travelers. As of June 21, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) notice, serving as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant in identifying measles cases and providing guidance for individuals planning international travel. Measles, a highly contagious disease, has been recently reported in the United States (U.S.) with links to international travel. According to recent reports from the CDC, there have been 16 confirmed cases of measles across 11 jurisdictions in the U.S. as of June 8, 2023, and alarmingly, 88% of these cases have been associated with international travel. Notably, one single laboratory-confirmed case of measles has been reported to the DC Department of Health, where the patient had recently traveled to Tanzania during the measles outbreak from May 2022 to June 2023. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to maintain awareness of measles cases and promptly report suspected and confirmed cases to DC Health. This health notice provides comprehensive guidance for measles prevention among international travelers, along with recommendations for healthcare providers, reporting guidelines in DC, and additional resources on measles. Prompt identification of measles cases is crucial to prevent further exposure and outbreaks. To reduce the importation and transmission of measles, it is essential for all U.S. residents, regardless of their travel destination, to ensure they are up to date on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination before embarking on international travel.