International Travelers Advised of Need for Measles Immunization
Measles Rise in the U.S. Tied to Travelers Bringing Virus Home From Abroad

DENVER – Public health officials in Colorado and across the United States are warning travelers to check their measles immunization status before traveling internationally this summer.

Measles, a highly infectious disease long held in check by robust immunization efforts, is making a comeback in the United States. More than 100 cases of measles, resulting in 14 hospitalizations, have been diagnosed in the United States this year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of cases is the most in six years, and is due to travelers contracting the disease in Europe and other international locations and then spreading it to unvaccinated individuals in the United States upon their return.

In Colorado, the last confirmed case of measles occurred in 2006.

“The return of measles is another reminder to everyone of the importance of routine immunizations,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Travelers going to Europe and other countries this summer should check with their physicians to ensure they are sufficiently immunized against measles, and should keep a copy of their immunization records with them as they travel.”

Measles travel vaccination guidelines

• Children 6 to 11 months of age if they travel outside the United States should receive a measles vaccination before leaving on their trip.

• Children 12 months of age or older and adults born after 1956 should receive two doses of measles vaccine (at least 1 month apart) before leaving on their trip abroad.

• People who have been diagnosed with measles by a physician and people born before 1957 are considered protected against the disease.

Information about measles

• Measles is a serious disease caused by the measles virus.

• Measles is highly contagious and is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• Measles typically begins with a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

• About one child in every 1,000 who gets measles will develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and about one or two will die.

For more information about measles or about what vaccinations babies, children and adults should receive, please visit the department’s Web site at www.cdphe.state.co.us or call 1-877-462-2911.