Update: Multistate investigation of measles among adoptees from China--April 16, 2004

    Insights

    Measles outbreaks have been reported in a Chinese orphanage, affecting adopted children in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends temporarily suspending adoptions from this location.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Measles poses a significant global health risk, particularly in settings with potential for transmission.
    • International adoption can present unique public health challenges, including the risk of infectious disease introduction.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report on a measles outbreak linked to an orphanage in China.
    • To inform public health recommendations regarding international adoptions from affected regions.

    Main Methods:

    • Case investigation and epidemiological tracing were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    • Data on confirmed and suspected measles cases among recently adopted children in the U.S. were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Six confirmed and three suspected cases of measles were identified in children adopted from China.
    • The outbreak was preliminarily traced to a measles outbreak within a specific Chinese orphanage.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings highlight the importance of measles surveillance in international adoption programs.
    • Public health authorities recommend temporary suspension of adoption proceedings from the identified orphanage to control measles spread.

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