Measles Activity and Travel Advisory for all New Yorkers
Measles Activity and Travel Advisory for all New Yorkers
As you may have heard on the TV, Radio, or Social Media, Measles cases are on the rise. There are currently over 700 cases in the US, including multiple states. Measles is only a car ride away!
Measles has been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Tennessee, District of Columbia, Vermont, Washington, and in Canada.
The majority of measles cases in the US are in New Mexico and Texas and the majority of cases in Canada are in Ontario. In addition to Canada, many other countries around the world have an increased number of measles cases including Yemen, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Romania, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Viet Nam.
Most of the cases of measles are among children who had not received the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. As measles is a highly contagious virus, it is important to be protected. Approximately 90% of people exposed to a person with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated.
The New York States Department of Health has issued a Travel Advisory. As you can see above, measles is wide spread. Because measles is so contagious, it easily crosses borders. With spring and summer travel season quickly approaching, anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home. If you are planning on traveling, no matter where, please make sure you and your family are protected against measles.
Before traveling internationally or to an area in the US experiencing an outbreak, protect yourself against measles. Guidance can be found on the NYS DOH website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/providers/docs/2025-04-02_travel_advisory.pdf
Whether traveling or not, it is best to check with your Healthcare Provider to see if you have received MMR immunizations. Most individuals born before 1957 would have been exposed to measles and developed natural immunity, making vaccination unnecessary. These individuals may consider vaccination if they are in a high-risk setting like healthcare or are traveling to areas with measles outbreaks. Older children, adolescents, and adults born after 1957 should get at least one MMR if they have never had the measles or been vaccinated for the disease (or do not have documentation or other proof of immunity). Some of these individuals may need a second dose, especially those at higher risk, which is defined by the CDC as healthcare workers, international travelers, and those in college settings.
Note: People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 should be revaccinated with at least one dose of MMR. This is important even if you are not traveling.
In general, individuals born after 1984-1986 would have received 2 doses of MMR. the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is largely considered to provide lifelong protection against measles after the second dose.
If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated, consult your health care provider or the local health department for assistance. Generally speaking, *serologic titers are not recommended by the CDC, but rather they recommend a dose of MMR vaccine. Having said this, acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:
- written documentation of adequate vaccination
- laboratory evidence of immunity (Serologic titers)
- laboratory confirmation of measles disease
- born in the US before 1957
*For those individuals who do not wish to get an MMR when unsure of their status, serologic titers will provide evidence of immunity.
Further information may be obtained in the Wellness Center, C122, or online at:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
Respectfully,
Cheri Yager MSN, BSN, RN
Supervisor, Health &Wellness Center