International importation of measles virus--United States, 1993-2001.
To determine trends in international importations of measles, data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System were analyzed. Of the 2632 measles cases reported between 1993 and 2001, 449 cases (17%) were internationally imported. An additional 186 cases (7%) resulted from spread of measles virus from these imported cases, and 388 cases (15%) had virological evidence of importation. The number of imported cases averaged 50 per year (range, 26-79 cases). The proportion of cases imported increased from an average of 14% in 1993-1996 to an average of 35% in 1997-2001. Imported measles cases were acquired in 63 countries, with 6 countries (Japan, Germany, China, the Philippines, Italy, and the United Kingdom) accounting for 44% of all imported cases. Further reduction of measles in the United States requires international cooperation and improved global surveillance and control of measles.
Vukshich Oster
Natalia
N
Emory Center on Health Outcomes and Quality, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. noster@sph.emory.edu.
Harpaz
Rafael
R
Redd
Susan B
SB
Papania
Mark J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008459:Measles virus; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D008458:Measles Vaccine