Look Out for Measles

Endemic measles has nearly been eliminated in the U.S., but imported measles can take a toll on the unvaccinated.

Because the measles virus has no nonhuman host, total elimination of this disease is theoretically possible. Before the introduction of measles vaccination in 1963, millions of measles cases occurred annually in the U.S. From 2000 through 2007, a total of 501 cases were reported to the CDC.

During the first 4 months of 2008, however, 64 measles cases were reported. They occurred in New York City (22 cases); Arizona (15); California (12); Michigan and Wisconsin (4 each); Hawaii (3); and Illinois, New York State, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (1 each). Fourteen patients were aged <12 months, and 18 were aged 1 to 4 years. Fourteen were hospitalized; none died. Transmission occurred in the community and in healthcare settings (including 17 visitor…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Look Out for Measles

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Reviewing Author