Irish holiday makers have been warned of the dangers of contracting measles while travelling. Globally, 57 countries are under a CDC Level 1 Travel Health Notice for measles as of May 2025, including India, Ethiopia, and Yemen. The WHO reported 359,521 cases worldwide in 2024, with Europe accounting for a third. Travellers are at risk in countries with low vaccination rates, particularly in high-traffic areas like airports or tourist attractions.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces, and can remain airborne for two hours. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash, appearing 7–21 days after exposure. Complications like pneumonia or encephalitis can be severe, especially for unvaccinated children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.
Travellers should ensure two doses of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, and seek medical care if symptoms develop within three weeks of returning.
- Cambodia: Cambodia is also flagged for measles outbreaks, with vaccination campaigns planned to address gaps. Travellers are at risk in areas with low immunisation, especially during community events or in crowded markets.
- Canada: Canada has reported 1,069 confirmed and probable measles cases by April 2025 across seven provinces, including one death in an infant. Travellers are at risk in regions with active cases, such as Ontario and Quebec, particularly in crowded settings like airports.
- France: As of April 2025, France has reported 526 measles cases, with 41 linked to importation from Morocco. The outbreak is driven by a vaccination rate of 93pc in 2023, below the 95pc needed for herd immunity. Travellers face risks in public spaces like transport hubs due to the virus’s ability to linger in the air for up to two hours.
- Netherlands: The Netherlands has confirmed 371 measles cases in the first four months of 2025, with clusters in schools and childcare facilities. With an 81pc vaccination rate, travellers may encounter risks in community settings, particularly where unvaccinated children gather.
- Philippines: The Philippines has ongoing measles outbreaks, with over 2,500 cases reported in 2023 and continued activity in 2025. Low vaccination coverage increases risks for travellers in urban centres and tourist areas where the virus can persist on surfaces or in the air.
- Romania: Romania has reported 3,605 measles cases by April 2025, with three deaths. The country’s vaccination rate of 62pc in 2023 fuels ongoing outbreaks. Travellers are at risk in areas with low immunisation, especially in close-contact settings like markets or public transport.
- Spain: Spain has recorded 202 measles cases in 2025, with outbreaks in multiple regions. Low vaccination coverage in some areas increases the risk for travellers, particularly in crowded tourist destinations where the virus can spread through coughing or sneezing.
- United States: As of June 2025, the US has reported 1,197 confirmed measles cases across 21 outbreaks, with 1,072 outbreak-associated. Texas alone has 750 cases, with 97 hospitalisations and two deaths. Travellers face risks in outbreak areas like Texas and New Mexico, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
- Vietnam: Vietnam is listed among countries with measles outbreaks in 2025, with cases rising due to immunisation gaps from 2020–2022. Travellers face risks in urban areas and tourist spots where the virus can spread through respiratory droplets.
