HHS HealthBeat (October 07, 2008)

Incoming measles

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Measles is generally mild, but it can cause serious complications and death. 

Due to a successful measles vaccination program, measles no longer occurs naturally in the United States. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 131 cases from January through July this year, compared with an average of 63 cases a year since 2000. 

CDC’s Amy Parker notes that other nations have not eliminated measles. So the virus can be carried back by foreign visitors and U.S. residents who became infected while traveling in countries where the disease is widespread.  

Once the virus is here, it can spread, especially to unvaccinated people.

Parker says:

``Vaccinating your child offers the best protection, and vaccination is what we recommend.’’  (5 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss

Last revised: October, 07 2008