Measles Outbreaks

Each year, on average, 60 people in the United States are reported to have measles. But, in 2011, the number of reported cases was higher than usual—222 people had the disease. Nearly 40% of these people got measles in other countries, including countries in Europe and Asia. They brought the disease to the United States and spread it to others. This caused 17 measles outbreaks in various U.S. communities.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. So, the disease no longer spreads year round in this country. But, the disease is still common throughout the world, including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. They can bring measles to the United States and infect others. Unvaccinated people put themselves and others at risk for measles and its serious complications.

Children, teenagers, and adults should be up to date on their measles vaccination, including before they leave for international travel. For more information, visit For Travelers.

See also: The Surveillance Manual chapter on measles that describes case investigation, outbreak investigation, and outbreak control for additional information.

• Measles—United States, 2011
  In 2011, 222 people in the United States were reported to have measles. MMWR. April 20, 2012
• CDC Tele-briefing on Measles—United States, 2011
  Press briefing transcript from April 19, 2012
• Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak --- Indiana, June-July 2011
  From June to July 2011, 14 cases of measles were confirmed in Northeast Indiana – the 2nd largest measles outbreak this year. MMWR. Sep 2, 2011
• Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak -- Hennepin County, Minnesota, February-March 2011
  Reported April 2011 an investigation of contacts and heightened surveillance revealed a total of 13 epidemiologically linked cases of measles in Hennepin County (Minnesota) residents. MMWR. May 8, 2011
• June 2011 CDC Health Advisory - High Number of Reported Measles Cases in the U.S. in 2011—Linked to Outbreaks Abroad
• April 2008 CDC Health Advisory - Measles outbreaks in the United States: Public health preparedness, control and response in healthcare settings and the community.
• Podcast: Measles Can Travel (4:01 minutes)
  Podcast about a 2007 measles outbreak in the U.S. and steps that can be taken to prevent future outbreaks.

 

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