Measles Reappears in the U.S.

Measles, one of the most readily communicable infectious diseases known, is transmitted by the respiratory route and, after an incubation period of 7 to 21 days, manifests as coryza followed by development of a maculopapular rash. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

The disease was declared to be eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 as a result of a very effective two-dose antimeasles vaccination program. In fact, many young healthcare workers have never seen a case of measles. However, this year, as of April 26, the CDC reported 704 cases of measles in 22 states. Of these cases, 94% were the result of 13 outbreaks, 6 of which were in close-knit, undervaccinated communities, representing 88% of all cases; New York State and…