Measles protection is paramount before traveling outside the US, says CDC

A recent rise in measles cases sparked a health advisory from the CDC — which urges those who may be traveling outside the U.S. to check their vaccination status with their doctor.

Measles, an acute viral respiratory illness, is highly contagious — and 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who come in close contact with just one person infected by measles can contract the disease.  "Measles has its own new or acute illnesses associated with it. Then it's got this kick afterward."  Measles can still be infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours even after an infected person leaves an area.  Those receiving two doses of the vaccine are likely to be 97% protected against the measles virus.  Teens and adults who have not been vaccinated against measles should get two doses spread about 28 days apart at least two weeks prior to international travel, said medical professionals.  Amy McGorry is a contributing health writer for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter @amymcgorry.

"The important part [to know] about measles is that you are infectious before the rash hits and you could be infectious up to 60 feet away," Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases division at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, told Fox News Digital.