Event: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Measles in Afghanistan. The Department of State’s January 18 Travel Advisory advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Afghanistan due to security conditions remains in place.
Location: Country wide, with the highest rates occurring in Paktia, Balkh, Kunduz, Zabul, Kandahar, and Logar Provinces.
Actions to Take:
- Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and COVID-19.
- In addition to observing precautions in the Department of State’s January 18 Travel Advisory, any travelers to Afghanistan, including infants and preschool-aged children, should be fully vaccinated against measles according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) immunization schedules.
- Seek medical care if you develop a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes. Measles is highly contagious. Travelers with suspected measles should notify the healthcare facility before visiting so staff can implement precautions to prevent spread within the facility.
- Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page for travelers to Afghanistan to learn more.
- If you are currently in Afghanistan and need assistance departing and have not yet been in contact with us, please complete the Kabul Repatriation Assistance form or contact AfghanistanACS@state.gov.
