The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Measles in Colombia

Watch – Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

Key Points

  • There is an outbreak of measles in Colombia.
  • Travelers to Colombia should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

What is measles?

Measles is a disease that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), and even death. It is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Signs and symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

What is the current situation?

Health officials in Colombia have reported an outbreak of measles.

What can travelers do to protect themselves?

  1. Make sure you are fully vaccinated or otherwise protected against measles.*
  2. People who cannot show that they were vaccinated or are otherwise protected against measles should get vaccinated before leaving the United States:
    • Infants (6 through 11 months of age) should have 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
    • Adults and children over 1 year of age should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days.
    • Certain groups of people should not get the MMR vaccine.
  3. Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Learn more about preventing measles and what to do if you think you have it on the measles page for travelers.

What can clinicians do?

  • Check that your patients 6 months of age or older who will be traveling internationally are protected against measles.
  • Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and rash, especially if the patient has recently traveled internationally.

Traveler Information 

Clinician Information

*Those who are otherwise protected include people who were born before 1957 and those who have been tested and have confirmed immunity. Talk to a doctor to see if this applies to you.