Measles on the Rise: Academic Institutions be Prepared

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that can lead to serious complications and death. From January 1 through May 20, 2011, a total of 118 measles cases were reported from 23 states and New York City, the highest reported number for the same period since 1996. Patients ranged in age from 3 months to 68 years. Of the 118 cases, 105 unvaccinated persons were associated with importation from other countries. Transmission occurred in households, child care centers, shelters, schools, emergency departments, and at a large community event. It is important for those in academic institutions to understand measles and be prepared to deal with these kinds of diseases. Recommendations for preventing further measles transmissions include reminding health care providers to consider a diagnosis of measles in ill persons who have traveled overseas, to use infection control practices to prevent transmission in health-care and other group settings, and to promote high coverage with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children as well as adult vaccination