The CDC has confirmed a domestic measles cluster due to transmission from an imported infection. Infectious disease expert Huang Li-min (黃立民) recommends that Taiwanese citizens get vaccinated before traveling to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Japan's measles outbreak has reached a seven-year high, with the majority of cases in Tokyo and Osaka. As the 2026 World Baseball Classic Taiwan preliminary rounds begin on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome, many people have already planned to travel and attend games. Japan has also seen a large influx of Taiwanese travelers visiting other locations.

Other countries around the world have also seen an increase in infections. Many European nations, such as the U.K., which recently lost its elimination status, are now at a heightened risk. In the first three weeks of 2026, the Americas saw 40 times the number of confirmed measles cases compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Pan American Health Organization. 

Huang stated that measles, an airborne disease, is highly contagious, with one infected person potentially infecting 12 to 18 others. He details that even if people maintain distance from an infected person, just sharing a location such as a restaurant, clinic, or emergency room can still lead to infection.

Huang also pointed out that wearing a regular surgical mask is insufficient and that only a completely sealed N95 grade mask can prevent airborne diseases, but this is impractical for everyday life. Therefore, he recommends that people get vaccinated against measles to develop antibodies.