Measles Outbreak Alert Issued for the Philippines

Amidst the global measles outbreak of 2024, a new Health Alert has been issued for the Republic of the Philippines.

On May 2, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Manila announced the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Measles in the Philippines.

The CDC recommends that all travelers to the Philippines, including infants and pre-school-aged children, be fully vaccinated against measles.

If you are unsure whether you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles, schedule an appointment to visit a healthcare provider at least one month before traveling abroad so that you have enough time to be fully immunized, says the CDC.

If you don't think you can safely receive a measles-containing vaccine, talk to your doctor and consider making alternative travel plans.

In the U.S., measles vaccines are generally available at retail pharmacies.

Visit the CDC Travelers Health webpage for travelers to the Philippines to learn more.

As of late April 2024, the CDC listed 51 countries confronting measles cases this year.

This list includes Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'd'IvoireIvory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia.