**CDC Alerts Travelers to Increased Measles Risk Amid Rising Cases**

With summer travel in full swing, health officials are raising alarms about the potential dangers of measles spreading through crowded settings such as airports and train stations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a travel notice highlighting the resurgence of measles in the United States.

Reported cases of measles have surged to over 1,100 this year, a stark reminder of how declining vaccination rates affect public health. The disease, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has made a troubling comeback due to a significant number of parents opting against vaccinating their children.

Dr. Peter Hotez from the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development emphasized that measles used to be the leading cause of child mortality globally, with 3 million deaths annually before widespread vaccination efforts reduced that number substantially. However, recent outbreaks in West Texas have led to severe complications, including pneumonia and neurological injuries, resulting in over 90 hospitalizations and two deaths.

The CDC advises travelers to ensure they are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations. The standard recommendation includes two doses for adults, with an additional dose for infants aged 6 to 11 months who are traveling. Nevertheless, the vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women, infants under six months, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

The resurgence of measles poses a particular threat to vulnerable populations, such as infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. The timely reminder from health officials suggests that maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for preventing the spread of this once-eradicated disease.

As experts continue to battle misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, public health messages remain clear: vaccines save lives. Without proper immunization, the risks associated with measles are not confined to the individual but extend to the broader community, including travelers and densely populated areas like airports.