The Largest Outbreak of Measles in the United States during 1999: Imported Measles and Pockets of Susceptibility

• DOI: 10.1086/377697
• Publication Date: 2004-04-21T15:39:19Z
• Authors: Jane A. Rooney; Jackson D. Milton; Robert L. Hackler; Joanna H. Harris; Debra Reynolds; Margaret Tanner; Elizabeth Taylor
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Travel; Vaccination; Virginia; Infant; Antibodies, Viral; United States; Disease Outbreaks; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Age Distribution; 0302 clinical medicine; Measles virus; Child, Preschool; Humans; Disease Susceptibility; Child; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Measles

The largest measles outbreak in the United States during 1999 was traced to a 34-year-old minister with an undocumented history of vaccination, infected while traveling outside States. Local health departments Central Virginia Health District performed epidemiological and laboratory investigation that identified 14 additional confirmed cases measles, including 2 care providers 5 congregation members. Eight (53%) occurred among adults aged 30-35 years 7 (47%) children 13 months 8 years. Although no religious exemptions were cited, only case patients had documented proof vaccination. This demonstrates potential for limited indigenous spread occurs when imported expose susceptible groups. Almost half occur US residents returning from foreign travel. Vaccination is highly recommended all overseas travelers who are without adequate immunization or immunity.