Measles
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe that air.
Measles is Highly Contagious
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe that air. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if they are not vaccinated.
Getting Measles While Traveling
Every year, unvaccinated people get measles while traveling abroad and bring it back to the United States. Measles is just a plane ride away. Since measles is still common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers continue to get measles in other countries and bring it into the United States and spread it to others. Before traveling internationally, make sure you are up to date on your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Ask your doctor if you have received all recommended doses of MMR for best protection against measles. If you are traveling abroad with your child, get them vaccinated, too. Infants 6 to 11 months old need 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling abroad. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before travel (the normal schedule is 1st dose at 12-15 months and 2nd dose at 4-6 years). Check with your pediatrician before leaving on your trip to make sure your children are protected.