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Summary
Imported measles cases in the US averaged two per week between 1980-1981, with returning citizens increasingly responsible. These importations triggered outbreaks, contributing significantly to overall measles cases.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern globally.
- International travel facilitates the importation of infectious diseases, including measles, into previously controlled regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of imported measles cases in the United States during 1980-1981.
- To assess the impact of imported measles on domestic measles transmission and outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of measles case data reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Categorization of cases into imported and domestically acquired, with tracking of outbreaks linked to importations.
Main Results:
- 209 imported measles cases were reported in the US during 1980-1981, averaging two per week.
- Returning US citizens constituted a growing proportion of imported cases.
- Imported measles and associated cases accounted for at least 17% of reported measles cases in 1981, with seven outbreaks identified.
Conclusions:
- Imported measles poses a continuous threat to measles control efforts in the US.
- Enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial to prevent measles importations and subsequent outbreaks.