Travellers have been warned of an increase in “highly contagious” cases of measles in 57 countries — including the UK.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned the infection was an “ongoing risk around the world” and urged people to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
It comes as the US has recorded the first deaths from measles in almost a decade.
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said on Wednesday two people had died during an outbreak in Texas, including an unvaccinated child.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported more than 120 cases, almost all affecting patients aged 17 and under.
The US declared measles “eliminated” in 2000, but the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment after the pandemic has led to outbreaks in recent years.
Falling vaccination rates also resulted in a widespread measles outbreak in England last year, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
What has the CDC said?
The CDC has issued a level one Travel Health Notice, which advises people to practice the usual precautions.
It said: “Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles.
“Travellers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure or have not had measles in the past and travel internationally.
“The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated US residents who become infected during international travel.”
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
In serious cases it can lead to complications including pneumonia, particularly among young children, older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Below is a list of all the 57 countries experiencing high transmission – including the UK.
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liberia
- Libya
- Malaysia
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of the Congo
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen.
