Traveling abroad without the right protections is not only a risk for the traveler, but also for the people around them. Recently, an adult without measles protection flew from Europe to the United States while infected with the virus. They ultimately spread measles to 17 other people.
These findings come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and were published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
How Did Researchers Investigate the Outbreak?
The report drew case information from the CDC’s Port Health Activity reporting system. Researchers also reviewed state and local health department investigations involving contact tracing, community transmission, and laboratory testing.
Additionally, they analyzed flight records to determine where exposures and infections most likely occurred.
The CDC received notification in May 2025 that an adult had flown from Europe to Denver International Airport in Colorado. After spending the night at a hotel, the traveler boarded a domestic flight and returned home to North Dakota.
During the trip, the infected traveler developed fever, cough, pink eye, and other symptoms. One day after arriving home, they showed the characteristic measles rash.
How Many People Became Infected?
Through contact tracing, researchers identified 135 travelers who had been exposed. Fifteen of those individuals became infected with measles.
The infected group included 13 adults and two children. Five infections occurred during the international flight, three during the domestic flight, and seven were linked to exposure at the airport.
The outbreak did not stop there. Two additional people were infected through contact with individuals exposed during the travel-related outbreak, bringing the total to 17 cases.
Of the 15 people infected directly by the traveler, 10 had received at least one dose of a measles vaccine, while five were unvaccinated. Five people required hospitalization, including three vaccinated individuals and two unvaccinated individuals. Among the two secondary cases, one involved transmission from a vaccinated person to another vaccinated person. The other occurred between two unvaccinated adults.
Why Is Measles Vaccination Important Before Travel?
The study authors emphasized that measles vaccination before international travel is critical for everyone aged 6 months and older who is eligible for vaccination.
They also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or other signs of illness to reconsider or postpone travel to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
International travel can expose people to diseases that are uncommon at home. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines and avoiding travel when sick can help protect both travelers and the communities they visit.
Before your next trip, speak with a travel health specialist about recommended vaccinations and other preventive measures.
Conclusion
An unvaccinated traveler spread measles throughout the United States last year. Vaccination remains the best protection for travelers and communities alike. Postponing travel while sick helps prevent future outbreaks and hospitalizations.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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