Measles Cases and Outbreaks in USA

As of 4 April 2019 the United States Center for Disease Control & Prevention have reported the second largest number of confirmed measles cases for this time of year since 2000. Since the beginning of the year 465 cases have been reported in 19 states. As of 4 April a number of States were affected by ongoing outbreaks.

The nineteen states reporting confirmed cases are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

States affected by outbreaks are New York, Washington, California, New Jersey, and Michigan.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. The travel consultation provides healthcare practitioners with a valuable opportunity to ensure individuals are protected against the measles virus. Consider vaccinating:

• All travellers who have not previously had two doses of a measles containing vaccine or prior measles infection.
• Particularly children and those who will be living or working closely with the local population at their destination, in countries with high endemnicity or recent outbreaks.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Consider vaccinating all unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves, particularly if they are going to be at higher risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

For further information seeMeasles.