Most Measles Cases in US Could Be Prevented

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Measles has been essentially eliminated in the US but a few cases still occur, usually related to acquisition in other countries. Even so, most of these cases could have been prevented if the victims had been properly vaccinated, new research indicates.

Between 2001 and 2004, a total of 177 measles cases among US residents were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these cases, 100 (56%) were considered preventable, meaning that they would not have occurred if vaccination guidelines by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had been followed.

Of the preventable cases, 43 involved international travelers (imported cases) and 57 involved non-travelers. For non-preventable cases, 65 involved non-travelers and 12 involved travelers, according to a report in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Forty-six cases of measles were noted among unvaccinated infants, including 17 who had traveled abroad and, therefore, should have been vaccinated, the report indicates.

"To prevent measles among US residents, healthcare providers should follow Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices vaccination recommendations, ensuring that travelers are vaccinated, particularly infants aged 6 to 11 months, and that two doses are administered for those aged 12 months or younger," Alison Rue, from the CDC's National Immunization Program, and colleagues note.

"In addition, parents should be educated about the risk for measles associated with international travel and the need for vaccination," the investigators emphasize.

SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 26, 2005.