Americans are gearing up to travel this summer, with consumer research from Deloitte revealing that an estimated 53% of Americans are planning leisure vacations during the upcoming season. This is a substantial increase from 2024, with the number of people planning to take leisure trips up a shocking 48% year-over-year.
If these numbers hold, this summer will see some of the highest numbers of travelers since the Covid pandemic began over five years ago. Deloitte also reported that vacationers are also planning more trips, with many jetsetters anticipating that they will take a number of quick getaways this year.
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If you’re one of the many Americans planning summer travel, chances are good that you’re focused on figuring out what clothes and shoes to put in your suitcase, checking the weather at your destination, and lining up activities and excursions to do once you arrive.
However, it’s worth stopping to pay attention to an important new warning issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The agency recently sounded the alarm on a huge risk that every traveler needs to be aware of – and also provided some advice on overcoming the danger so you can hopefully get safely to your destination.
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CDC sounds the alarm and urges travelers to take action
The CDC issued a warning last week about the grave risk that travelers must take seriously.
Specifically, the Agency warned that measles cases are rising, putting those who are traveling on planes or passing through airports in jeopardy.
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This warning is especially important for those who are headed to international locations, as almost all of the instances of measles developing due to travel occurred on international flights. That’s why the CDC stated on its website that “Measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected.”
The CDC’s alert comes after a troubling incident in which six measles cases were linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in May. Four of the patients who developed measles were on the flight, and another two people who got sick with measles were exposed at the airport by passengers who got off the affected plane.
In light of this incident, along with a growing global threat of measles as Canada, Mexico, and many other countries experience outbreaks, the CDC has stressed the importance of getting properly protected before heading to a crowded airport and getting onto a packed plane.
How to heed the CDC’s warning and stay safe
While those going abroad face the greatest risk, as the Denver International incident shows, transmission is possible in local airports, too. If you travel domestically but end up hopping on a parking shuttle with an international traveler, you are at elevated risk of exposure as well, especially given how contagious measles is.
Fortunately, with the CDC sounding the alarm about the rising measles risk in airports and other crowded locations right now, those planning trips this summer still have time to take action and protect themselves and others from the potential devastation to health that measles can cause.
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The CDC stated that “Getting two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to protect against measles. Infants 6–11 months old who are traveling internationally are recommended to receive one dose of MMR vaccine at least two weeks before their trip.”
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Further, the CDC made clear that anyone who is unsure about their vaccination status should schedule an appointment with their doctor at least six weeks before traveling to make certain there is time to get fully vaccinated if you aren’t already.
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