Measles Cases Higher in 2011

CDC recently announced that the number of measles cases reported in the United States from January 1 to June 17, 2011 was the highest reported in that timeframe since 1996. Most of these cases were reported among people who were not vaccinated and who had traveled internationally to countries with measles, such as India and countries in Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Some of the people who contracted measles  had come into contact with an international traveler infected with measles.

CDC recommends that people who travel abroad and who do not have evidence of immunity to measles receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling (see CDC’s vaccination Advice for Travelers and Expatriates). If you are an adult or teenager who has not had measles or has not received measles or MMR vaccine, you may require one or two doses of MMR vaccine before you leave the country. If you are not sure if you need MMR vaccine to protect yourself from measles, contact a doctor or travel health specialist. For children who travel internationally, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend an accelerated MMR vaccine schedule, including vaccination of children 6 through 11 months of age. Check with your child’s doctor about these recommendations.

Read more about Measles and the MMR vaccines. 

Visit the CDC to learn more about measles cases in the United States.