Background: The global resurgence of measles is a threat to measles elimination campaigns. Measles importations by international travelers have been identified as a risk factor for outbreaks. Methods: We reviewed measles cases among international travelers and migrants reported to the GeoSentinel network. Results: From May 2019 through June 2025, GeoSentinel recorded 53 measles cases among travelers imported into 15 different countries. Travelers of all age groups were affected, and 74 % were 21 years or older. Thirty-three travelers (61 %) were hospitalized. Seventy-nine percent of cases reported no or unknown history of vaccination against measles. Conclusions: Against a background of increasing numbers of measles cases and outbreaks globally, GeoSentinel observed a stable trend of measles importations by international travelers. Measles caused considerable morbidity among travelers. Immunization effectively prevents measles in more than 97 % of individuals. Pretravel consultations provide an important opportunity to promote vaccination coverage for all vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles.
Measles importations by international travelers, GeoSentinel 2019-2025
Matteelli, Alberto;Castelli, Francesco
2025-01-01
Abstract
Background: The global resurgence of measles is a threat to measles elimination campaigns. Measles importations by international travelers have been identified as a risk factor for outbreaks. Methods: We reviewed measles cases among international travelers and migrants reported to the GeoSentinel network. Results: From May 2019 through June 2025, GeoSentinel recorded 53 measles cases among travelers imported into 15 different countries. Travelers of all age groups were affected, and 74 % were 21 years or older. Thirty-three travelers (61 %) were hospitalized. Seventy-nine percent of cases reported no or unknown history of vaccination against measles. Conclusions: Against a background of increasing numbers of measles cases and outbreaks globally, GeoSentinel observed a stable trend of measles importations by international travelers. Measles caused considerable morbidity among travelers. Immunization effectively prevents measles in more than 97 % of individuals. Pretravel consultations provide an important opportunity to promote vaccination coverage for all vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
