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New Measles Cases Reported at Resort in Mexico and Airport in Washington, DC

June 06, 2019
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3 min read
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New Measles Cases Reported at Resort in Mexico and Airport in Washington, DC
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The US is currently experiencing the largest measles outbreak (1,001 cases reported, to be exact) since the virus was eliminated in 2000. With reports coming from nearly every corner of the country — from Los Angeles to New York City — health officials issued yet another warning in northern Virginia after a measles case was reported in a child that had passed through Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The warning cites that anyone in airport Terminal A and baggage claim from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on June 2 might have been exposed to measles. USA Today also reported Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital are also possible sites for exposure between June 2 and June 4.

Measles has also made an appearance in Mexico. Specifically, a British tourist was hospitalized after coming down with measles at a resort in Playa del Carmen after arriving in Cancun. In the wake of her diagnoses, Mexican medics are monitoring 369 people she met on holiday for signs of infection. Daily Mail reported that she likely was infected with measles prior to coming to Mexico, as it can take up to 19 days for symptoms to appear in an infected person. Local Mexican health authorities claimed that Mexico has been free of native cases of measles since 1996.

As measles continues to make its way around the world, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all travelers receive two rounds of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination to ensure that they are 97% immune to the virus. The vaccine is also widely available in the US — Dr. Manisha Patel, team leader for measles epidemiology at the CDC, told The Points Guy, "There should be no barrier to getting MMR in the US, which is why we encourage travelers or anybody traveling abroad to get vaccinated before they go.”

If you're unsure if you've been vaccinated, here's our guide about how to check.

And if you're concerned you might have been exposed, common symptoms include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes or conjunctivitis and a rash of tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red complexion that can be found inside the mouth, on the inner lining of the cheek, known as Koplik's Spots. The CDC recommends contacting a doctor if you have these symptoms.

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It's more important than it's been in decades to understand the severity of the virus — and how to keep yourself from contracting the measles. That's especially true for people who plan on traveling. The CDC Yellow Book is a helpful resource for travelers who aren't sure what vaccinations or medications they need before visiting a new country. A recommendation that all travelers vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella was added to the Yellow Book in March of 2019.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.