Notes from the field: measles - California, January 1-April 18, 2014

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2014 Apr 25;63(16):362-3.

Abstract

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that can lead to severe complications and death. Even patients who experience uncomplicated acute measles have a small risk for developing a devastating neurologic illness, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, years after their infection. Measles was documented as eliminated (defined as interruption of continuous transmission lasting ≥12 months) in the United States in 2000; however, importation of measles cases and limited local transmission continue to occur. During January 1-April 18, 2014, the California Department of Public Health received reports of 58 confirmed measles cases, the highest number reported for that period since 1995. Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 60 years. Three (5%) patients were aged <12 months, six (10%) were aged 1-4 years, 17 (29%) were aged 5-19 years, and 32 (55%) were aged ≥20 years. As of April 18, there had been 12 hospitalizations, and no deaths had been reported. During 2000-2013, the median annual number of measles cases reported in California was nine (range = four to 40).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • California / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / prevention & control
  • Measles Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Travel
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Measles Vaccine