International Travelers Advised of Need for Measles
Immunization
Measles Rise in the U.S. Tied to Travelers Bringing Virus
Home From Abroad
May 29, 2008 - DENVER
– Public health officials in Colorado and across the
United States are warning travelers to check their measles
immunization status before traveling internationally this
summer.
Measles, a highly infectious disease long held in check by
robust immunization efforts, is making a comeback in the
United States. More than 100 cases of measles, resulting in
14 hospitalizations, have been diagnosed in the United
States this year according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. The number of cases is the most in
six years, and is due to travelers contracting the disease
in Europe and other international locations and then
spreading it to unvaccinated individuals in the United
States upon their return.
In Colorado, the last confirmed case of measles occurred in
2006.
“The return of measles is another reminder to everyone of
the importance of routine immunizations,” said Dr. Ned
Calonge, chief medical officer for the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment. “Travelers going to Europe
and other countries this summer should check with their
physicians to ensure they are sufficiently immunized against
measles, and should keep a copy of their immunization
records with them as they travel.”
Measles travel vaccination guidelines
- Children 6 to 11 months of age if they travel
outside the United States should receive a measles
vaccination before leaving on their trip.
- Children 12 months of age or older and adults born
after 1956 should receive two doses of measles vaccine
(at least 1 month apart) before leaving on their trip
abroad.
- People who have been diagnosed with measles by a
physician and people born before 1957 are considered
protected against the disease.
Information about measles
- Measles is a serious disease caused by the measles
virus.
- Measles is highly contagious and is spread when an
infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Measles typically begins with a rash, high fever,
cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.
- About one child in every 1,000 who gets measles will
develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and
about one or two will die.
For more information about measles or about what
vaccinations babies, children and adults should receive,
please visit the department’s Web site at
www.cdphe.state.co.us
or call 1-877-462-2911.
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