Travel to the USA: CDC warns of measles without vaccination!

Travel to the USA: CDC warns of measles without vaccination!

Vacations in the USA have always been very popular, especially among travelers planning city trips to New York or road trips on the West Coast. But with the continued spread of measles worldwide, health authorities are warning against traveling to the USA without sufficient vaccination protection. According to CDC recommendations, measles vaccinations in particular are essential for travelers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that travelers without a measles vaccination are at increased risk. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens who become infected abroad contribute to the spread of the disease. Measles is highly contagious and can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, followed by a characteristic brownish-pink skin rash.

Recommendations from health authorities

To best protect yourself, the CDC recommends that all travelers receive at least two doses of a measles vaccine. People who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons should also consult their doctor and consider postponing their trip. This recommendation applies particularly to older travelers over 50 years of age, as they may no longer have sufficient vaccination protection.

In addition to the measles vaccination, the Federal Foreign Office and the CDC recommend other vaccinations, including:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus und Diphtherie (Standardimpfungen)
• Hepatitis B (insbesondere bei engen sozialen Kontakten oder Langzeitaufenthalten)
• Tollwut (bei direktem Tierkontakt)
• Meningokokken ACWY (nach individueller Indikation)
• Denguefieber (besonders bei Aufenthalten in Puerto Rico oder den Südstaaten)

Other health risks in the USA

The health risks in the U.S. go beyond measles. Travelers should be aware that there is an increased risk of Lyme disease in certain regions, particularly the Northeast, especially from April to September. West Nile fever is also a concern in many eastern states such as New York and Florida. There are also reported diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and St. Louis encephalitis, as well as the risk of intestinal infections due to poor hygiene.

In order to prepare optimally, health authorities recommend seeking travel medical advice four to six weeks before departure. Although no mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany, the recommendations of the health authorities should be taken seriously to ensure a safe and healthy stay in the USA.

For further information on the current travel warnings and vaccination recommendations, those interested can read the reports from The West and Mercury consult.