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Measles Cases and Outbreaks in USA

10 Apr 2019

As of 4 April 2019 the United States Center for Disease Control & Prevention have reported the second largtest 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. States affected by outbreaks are New York, Washington, California, New Jersey, and Michigan.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection from measles.

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. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles.