On March 17, 2026, the United States Cender for Disease Control released a new measles warning for travelers.
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The CDC’s Global Measles Outbreak resource page offers information on the disease, how it spreads, and how data is collected on outbreaks. The CDC describes an outbreak as a time when more of the disease occurs than expected.
According to the CDC, travelers are at risk of contracting the disease if they have not been fully vaccinated for two weeks prior to departure or have had measles in the past. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
The CDC also states, “In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million people were infected with measles. Right now, measles outbreaks are happening in every region of the world. Anyone who is not protected against measles can get measles while abroad and easily spread it to others when they return home.”
At the moment, multiple countries, such as Australia and Canada, have given warnings to travelers about measles outbreaks. Both the World Health Organization and UNICEF have also issued warnings about measles outbreaks.
Here’s where you need to be cautious when traveling due to measles outbreaks as of 2026.
Popular destinations with measles outbreaks, according to WHO
According to data collected by the World Health Organization, these countries have the highest rates of measles cases:
- India
- Angola
- Indonesia
- Yemen
- Pakistan
- Cameroon
- Mexico
- Sudan
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
For American travelers, Southeast Asia and Mexico represent two of the largest risks. Remember: Bali is located in Indonesia. Along with Laos and Thailand, Indonesia is experienced a measles outbreak.
Additionally, rising cases in Mexico (over 4,600 at the time of publication) should cause concern for American travelers. The CDC also points out that travelers aren’t only at risk when they’re at their destination. Flights to and from the destination can also pose a threat, as measles spreads through air-borne particles.
