Based on CDC and WHO guidance, checked against those sources on Oct 12, 2026. Educational information only — not a diagnosis or a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.
What it is
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) and death, especially in young children. The MMR vaccine is very effective at preventing it.
How it spreads
Through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
The virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people close to an infected person will become infected.
People are contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure (can be up to 21 days).
Excerpt from World Health Organization:On 4 April 2026, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for Bangladesh notified WHO of a nationwide increase in measles cases, geographically affecting 58 out of 64 districts across all eight divisions in Bangladesh. A total of 19 161 suspected measles cases and 2897 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported between 15 March and 14 April 2026, including 166 measles related deaths (CFR 0.9%). The majority (79%) of the reported cases are children aged under 5 years. A targeted measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign started on 5 April, and various outbreak
Published Apr 23, 2026 · World Health Organization — Disease Outbreak NewsShare card
CDC Travel Health NoticeLevel 1 – Practice Usual PrecautionsMeasles
Where:Global · 233 countries, including Afghanistan and Benin
Excerpt from U.S. CDC Travelers' Health:Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
Published May 28, 2025 · U.S. CDC Travelers' HealthShare card
Excerpt from World Health Organization:Since late 2023, Morocco has been experiencing a widespread measles outbreak. Cases have been recorded across all regions of the country, particularly among children and people who are unvaccinated. In response, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MOHSP), in collaboration with relevant sectors, activated the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations, launched urgent catch-up vaccination campaigns, and strengthened surveillance, case management, and risk communication and community engagement efforts. Measles is a highly transmissible viral disease that can lead to severe
Published May 13, 2025 · World Health Organization — Disease Outbreak NewsShare card
Excerpt from World Health Organization:As of 18 April 2025, a total of 2318 measles cases, including three deaths, have been confirmed in six countries in the WHO Region of the Americas, an 11-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. The majority of cases have occurred among people between 1 to 29 years, who are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Additionally, most cases are imported or linked to importation. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that can lead to severe complications and death. Although it is preventable with two doses of the vaccine, over 22 million children world
Published Apr 28, 2025 · World Health Organization — Disease Outbreak NewsShare card
Excerpt from World Health Organization:On 11 March 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) received a report from the International Health Regulation (2005) (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) of the United States of America (United States) on the ongoing measles outbreak in the country, notified under IHR because it is an unusual event with potential significant public health impact, with the number of cases and deaths in 2025 exceeding the numbers in previous years. Additionally, cases linked to the outbreak in the State of Texas, United States, have been reported in Mexico. Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease t
Published Mar 27, 2025 · World Health Organization — Disease Outbreak NewsShare card
Current situation
U.S.: 4,386 confirmed cases in 46 jurisdictions so far in 2026U.S. CDC · 2026
Level 1 - Global Measles (233 destinations)CDC Travelers' Health · May 28, 2025
