The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases. Many countries around the world are experiencing increases in measles incidence and measles outbreaks, including the European Union and the United States. To date in 2024 the CDC has confirmed 58 measles cases domestically, compared to 58 cases in all of 2023*.
KPDH encourages all clinicians to consider the possibility of measles in patients presenting with a rash illness accompanied by cough, coryza and conjunctivitis, particularly if there is an exposure history. If measles is considered a possibility, ensure that the patient is properly isolated, and confirm vaccination history. If measles is strongly suspected, please contact KDPH or your local health department immediately to consult about testing and to obtain approval for measles PCR testing of nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) swabs at the state public health laboratory. Additional information can be found online at the KDPH Immunizations Branch measles page.
CDC recommends that all U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive the MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at age 4 to 6 years, as is currently recommended by CDC and ACIP. The Health Advisory includes links to a variety of resources for medical providers, as well as parents and international travelers.
KDPH has also recently developed a Measles Quicksheet, which includes information on symptoms, transmission dynamics, specimen collection, epidemiologic classifications and case definitions, postexposure chemoprophylaxis, and quarantine/exclusion of contacts.
