We Must Maintain Measles Elimination in the United States: Measles Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Prevention

The United States has maintained the elimination of measles, defined as the absence of continuous disease transmission for ≥12 months, since 2000. However, measles cases can occur when people travel to and from the United States, especially when travelers are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against measles. Maintaining measles elimination in the United States requires continued investment in the measles vaccination program which was instrumental to achieving elimination. Health care providers and public health authorities need to remain vigilant to rapidly recognize measles and take steps to mitigate spread within communities for continued measles elimination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all healthcare providers to ensure their patients are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine). Healthcare providers should consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks.

During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss the history of measles in the United States, review clinical presentation and diagnosis of measles infection, review how to report suspected cases to public health agencies, and outline recommendations for measles vaccination in the United States.

Presenters

Adria Mathis, MSPH
Epidemiologist
Division of Viral Diseases
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dan Filardo, MD
Medical Officer
Division of Viral Diseases
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Stephen Crooke, PhD
Lead Research Microbiologist
Division of Viral Diseases
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention