Travel tips for flying safely amid measles outbreak

Measles has been spreading across America, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 220 cases nationwide as of March 7.The uptick in cases began with an outbreak in Texas, where there have been 223 cases identified since late January (as of March 11).A new case was confirmed in a Howard County, Maryland, resident last week after the individual traveled internationally through Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.Officials claimed that this case is not related to the Texas outbreak, warning travelers to be on the lookout for measles symptoms if they traveled through the airport around that same time.Measles is highly contagious and is most threatening to unvaccinated individuals, Fox News’ senior medical analyst Dr.Marc Siegel previously told Fox News Digital.“There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before,” he cautioned.When traveling in a confined space, such as an airplane, exposure becomes even more of a concern.In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital in New York City, Dr.

John Whyte, WebMD chief medical officer and practicing physician, emphasized how measles is “one of the most contagious respiratory viruses.” “Measles is much more contagious than COVID,” he said.“It’s a factor of several times more contagious.”One infected person can impact about 10 to 15 other people, according to Whyte.There are multiple ways to protect yourself from infection while traveling and flying, the doctor said, including being aware of your surroundings and wearing a mask in areas where cases have been detected.The doctor also recommended “good handwashing” after touching surfaces, as well as keeping surfaces clean, since virus droplets can stick and spread when contact is made.People who have been infected with measles often do not become symptomatic until four days after exposure, Whyte shared, so it may be diffi...