South Dakota Department Of Health(SDDOH) has confirmed six additional measles cases in Sioux Falls today, significantly increasing the state’s total number of cases. The increase is part of a wider resurgence of measles in North America, which has led health officials to warn of travel advisories and to step up anti-vaccination efforts. The outbreak underscores how much this contagious disease can threaten both local residents and visitors.
As of mid-July 2025, South Dakota has reported a total of twelve measles cases. The South Dakota Department Of Health has responded by expanding access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine through public vaccination clinics statewide. These clinics aim to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease. Local health officials have noted that measles can spread rapidly, particularly in crowded places where individuals may be in close contact with one another.
Earlier this year, the South Dakota Department Of Health issued public health notices regarding potential measles exposure at various locations in Rapid City and Hot Springs, advising individuals who visited these sites to monitor for symptoms. This proactive approach aims to prevent further transmission and protect the public from the outbreak. The South Dakota Department Of Health has emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly in light of the disease’s resurgence.
The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak since 1992, with over 1,288 confirmed cases and three deaths reported as of early July 2025. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, particularly within unvaccinated communities. The outbreaks have drawn significant attention, as they are spreading faster than health authorities initially anticipated.
Canada and Mexico are also facing significant outbreaks. Ontario has reported 2,223 cases, Alberta 1,246, and Chihuahua, Mexico, 2,966 cases. These outbreaks are largely attributed to low vaccination rates and international travel. The interconnected nature of global travel has made it easier for the disease to spread across borders, creating a serious public health threat across the region. The rising number of cases has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue travel advisories and health alerts for affected areas.
Health experts are warning that the ongoing measles outbreaks pose significant risks to travelers. The disease’s high contagiousness means it can spread rapidly in crowded settings such as airports, hotels, and tourist attractions. Measles can remain airborne for several hours, making it especially dangerous for those who are not vaccinated or have not recently received a booster shot.
Travelers are advised to ensure their MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccinations are up to date and to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of illness. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. Travelers are also urged to follow official health advisories and take necessary precautions, including avoiding large gatherings in affected areas.
The CDC has issued travel health notices for regions experiencing outbreaks, advising travelers to take necessary precautions. International travel is often cited as one of the primary vectors for the spread of infectious diseases like measles, and these outbreaks serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccinations before traveling internationally.
For travelers, staying informed and prepared is critical in minimizing the risk of contracting measles. Here are some important travel safety tips:
The MMR vaccine remains the most effective defense against measles. The CDC recommends two doses for children, with the first dose administered at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult healthcare providers to determine if they need the vaccine. In response to the outbreaks, health officials are intensifying efforts to increase vaccination coverage, particularly in communities with historically low immunization rates.
Several states have launched campaigns to increase vaccination awareness, targeting both adults and children who have not received the MMR vaccine. The CDC is also working with local health departments to identify areas with low vaccination rates and provide additional resources to those communities. The goal is to achieve herd immunity, which will make it harder for the virus to spread and protect vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
The recent surge in measles cases in South Dakota is part of a larger, concerning trend across North America. With the disease’s potential to spread rapidly, especially among unvaccinated populations, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination and awareness. Travelers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from this preventable disease.
Measles and Tourism and Travel Safety with Increased Global Travel As international travel continues to rise, the global travel-related risk of outbreaks such as measles impacting travel safety and tourism increases. Measles must feel like a disease of the distant past by now; but it only takes an outbreak like this to remind us of how readily it can make a comeback in unvaccinated populations. The enhancement of vaccination rates and public health education are crucial to stopping further outbreaks and protecting global public health.
