Skip to navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Publications
  • Measles importations by international travelers, GeoSentinel 2019–2025
Measles importations by international travelers, GeoSentinel 2019–2025

Measles importations by international travelers, GeoSentinel 2019–2025

Lead Author: Ralph Huits

Journal

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 67, 102885

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102885

Abstract

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.We reviewed measles cases among international travelers and migrants reported to the GeoSentinel network.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.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.