Measles Outbreaks

In 2011, there were more than 200 cases of measles reported in the United States. Most of the cases were among or linked to travelers returning from or visiting from other countries, including countries in Europe and Southeast Asia. These cases remind us that it is very important to vaccinate children and adults to protect them against measles. Even though the ongoing transmission of endemic (native) measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the disease is still common in many other countries and can be imported into the U.S. by foreign visitors or returning travelers who are not fully protected against the disease. Close to 90% of the measles cases reported in the U.S. during 2008 were either acquired abroad or linked to imported cases.

See also: The Surveillance Manual chapter on measles that describes case investigation, outbreak investigation, and outbreak control for additional information.

• Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak --- Indiana, June-July 2011
  From June to July 2011, 14 cases of measles were confirmed in Northeast Indiana – the 2nd largest measles outbreak this year. MMWR. Sep 2, 2011
• Measles -- United States, January-May, 2011
  From January to May 2011, more measles cases were reported in the United States compared with the same period since 1996. MMWR. May 24, 2011
• Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak -- Hennepin County, Minnesota, February-March 2011
  Reported April 2011 an investigation of contacts and heightened surveillance revealed a total of 13 epidemiologically linked cases of measles in Hennepin County (Minnesota) residents. MMWR. May 8, 2011
• Press Briefing: Update on measles outbreaks throughout the United States
  Transcript of an August 21, 2008 press briefing about the increase in measles outbreaks in 2008.
• Press Release: Most U. S. Measles Cases Reported since 1996
  August 21, 2008 press release about the number of measles cases reported from January through July 2008.
• Press Briefing: CDC Update on Measles Outbreaks in United States
  Transcript of a May 1, 2008 press briefing about the increase in measles outbreaks in 2008.
• April 2008 CDC Health Advisory
  Measles outbreaks in the United States: Public health preparedness, control and response in healthcare settings and the community.
• Podcast: Measles Can Travel (4:01 minutes)
  Podcast about a 2007 measles outbreak in the U.S. and steps that can be taken to prevent future outbreaks.

 

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