India, United States, Canada, Pakistan, Thailand, Ethiopia, Romania, Yemen, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia Linked in Measles Travel Risk Alert by New York Health Officials, Prompting Global Tourism Concerns - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

On April 2, 2025, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued a formal travel advisory urging caution among residents planning international travel, especially to Canada, due to an escalating measles outbreak. The advisory underscores a broader global trend of resurging infectious diseases and highlights the need for vaccination ahead of the busy spring and summer travel seasons.

This development follows months of warnings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has consistently flagged measles as a rising public health concern in both domestic and international contexts. Health authorities are now directing attention to Canada, where Ontario is currently experiencing one of its worst measles outbreaks in decades.

Health Advisory Targets International Travel Risks

In a statement directed at healthcare professionals and the general public, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the seriousness of the disease. He noted that measles is not just a skin rash, but a potentially life-threatening illness that can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.

The advisory stresses that measles is more prevalent in various global regions, making travel-related exposure a key concern. With international travel on the rise—particularly during the April to September vacation window—unvaccinated individuals could face significant health risks.

Travelers are advised to receive the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine at least two weeks before departure to ensure immunity. Those who remain unprotected are not only vulnerable to infection but may also contribute to local outbreaks upon their return.

Canada’s Measles Outbreak Draws International Attention

Ontario has become the epicenter of Canada’s measles crisis. According to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), more than 800 cases have already been recorded, with most infections occurring among unvaccinated children. This represents the country’s most severe measles outbreak in decades and is drawing concern from health officials and tourism operators alike.

The timing of the outbreak coincides with peak planning for summer vacations to Canadian destinations, including major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Travel agents are now reassessing guidance for clients considering trips to Ontario and other high-risk areas. Health safety may become a growing factor in destination selection, especially for families with young children.

U.S. Cases Mirror Global Escalation

The concern is not isolated to Canada. As of March 26, 2025, the United States itself has reported 483 measles cases across 20 jurisdictions—already surpassing the total number of cases for the entirety of 2024. With cases trending upward in both urban centers and suburban communities, the potential for further outbreaks remains high, especially among unvaccinated populations.

Globally, the advisory identifies several countries currently grappling with measles surges, including:

• Yemen
• Pakistan
• India
• Thailand
• Ethiopia
• Romania
• Afghanistan
• Indonesia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Vietnam

Travelers heading to or transiting through these countries are also advised to verify their vaccination status and consult with healthcare providers before travel.

Contagion Risks in Airports and Shared Spaces

Given measles’ highly contagious nature, exposure in transit hubs such as airports is a growing concern. Health officials note that the virus can remain airborne and infectious for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the space. This places travelers at heightened risk in high-traffic environments such as JFK, Toronto Pearson, and Montreal-Trudeau airports.

Symptoms may appear one to two weeks after exposure and often begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash. Officials recommend that travelers monitor their health for up to three weeks post-trip and seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear.

Key Travel Health Recommendations:

• Verify your MMR vaccination status and schedule immunization if needed.
• Avoid travel to outbreak areas if unvaccinated or immunocompromised.
• Watch for symptoms for up to 21 days after returning from international trips.
• Practice proper hygiene in high-density travel areas like airports and public transport.
• Use masks and maintain distance if traveling with infants or vulnerable individuals.

What This Means for the Travel Industry

The resurgence of measles and the issuance of official travel advisories may shift consumer behavior in 2025. Tour operators, travel advisors, and hospitality providers are expected to place increased emphasis on health and safety in destination marketing. Flexible cancellation policies, pre-departure medical resources, and traveler health education are likely to become more prominent features in travel planning.

For Canada, especially Ontario, this health situation may pose a short-term challenge for inbound tourism. While cities like Toronto and Ottawa are popular among both domestic and international visitors, rising infection rates could prompt travelers to postpone or reroute their trips to lower-risk provinces or destinations outside of North America.

Travel advisors should stay informed through government channels and guide clients with up-to-date safety information. Customizing travel insurance plans and offering pre-trip consultations with healthcare providers may become essential steps in the booking process.