Measles Outbreak Concerns Rise Amid Summer Travel

With over a thousand measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2025, the risk of outbreaks during summer travel takes center stage. Experts stress the importance of vaccination and safety measures.

Measles has once again captured headlines as it resurfaces in the United States. In 2025 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over a thousand cases, with Texas enduring the brunt of the outbreak, which has led to at least three fatalities.

Given measles' notorious contagiousness, the onset of summer travel raises significant concerns regarding its potential spread. Past incidents, like the infamous 2014 Disneyland outbreak that triggered over 100 cases, highlight how easily measles can transmit in crowded environments, including airports and on planes.

Fortunately, there is a highly effective vaccine available. Ensuring that all eligible family members are fully vaccinated before embarking on travels is a crucial step in safeguarding their health, regardless of the destinations they choose.

Travelers should be particularly cautious in crowded areas, as measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the vicinity. Moreover, the virus can survive on surfaces, making it possible to contract the infection without direct contact with an ill individual.

The most infectious phase occurs prior to the appearance of the characteristic rash, as those who are about to develop measles may exhibit profuse runny noses, and the virus can be present in their mucous as well as spit, coughs, and sneezes.

To mitigate risks, individuals who are most vulnerable, particularly unvaccinated or immunocompromised ones, should consider wearing masks in airports and on flights, as this can help protect them from both measles and other illnesses. Careful planning and precautionary measures are essential for ensuring safe travel this summer amidst rising measles case alerts.