Measles Acquisition and Transmission, Despite Evidence of Immunity

An immunized patient who developed measles transmitted it to four others who were either vaccinated or had evidence of measles immunity.

Although endemic measles was eradicated in 2000 in the U.S., international travelers with measles can still transmit the virus while visiting this country. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices presumes immunity to the illness in individuals who have received two doses of live measles virus–containing vaccine, such as combined measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), or have laboratory evidence of immunity. Although cases of measles have occurred among people who meet these criteria, until now, those who develop measles despite vaccination have not been shown to transmit it to others.

Investigators recently reported secondary measles transmission by a 22-year-old woman who had received two doses of MMR early in life. Her measles exposure like…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Measles Acquisition and Transmission, Despite Evidence of Immunity

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Reviewing Author