Measles is a very infectious illness caused by rubeola virus. It
is an endemic disease so it is continually active
in populations and many develop resistance to the virus.
However, when exposures occur in areas where the virus has not
been present, the result can be devastating.
During the last two centuries, it is estimated that
measles has claimed the lives of over 200 million
people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State
Health Departments are investigating a multi-state outbreak of
measles associated with travel to Disneyland Resort Theme Parks
(which includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure). The
purpose of this HAN Advisory is to notify public health
departments and healthcare facilities about this measles outbreak
and to provide guidance to healthcare providers. Healthcare
providers should ensure that all of their patients are current on
MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. They should consider
measles in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever and
rash and ask patients about recent international travel or travel
to domestic venues frequented by international travelers. They
should also ask patients about their history of measles exposures
in their community. Please disseminate this information to
healthcare providers in hospitals and emergency rooms, to primary
care providers, and to microbiology laboratories.
Measles cases continue to be identified in California in
returning international travelers. Measles is highly contagious.
Please protect patients, visitors, and staff.
Utilization of alternative diagnostic sampling techniques during
an imported measles outbreak; resource includes background,
methods, specimen collection and conclusions.
This resource was adapted from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control of
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
