Measles, 2000

One case of measles was reported during 2000. The case occurred in a 23-month-old, unvaccinated, white, non-Hispanic child residing in northern Minnesota who developed measles after traveling to India and Malaysia. Prodrome symptoms of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis occurred 1 day after returning to Minnesota; rash developed 5 days later. The case was laboratory-confirmed with a positive serologic test for measles IgM antibody. No additional cases of measles resulted from exposure to this case. Parents and other exposed relatives either were determined to be immune, given measles immune globulin within 6 days of exposure, or excluded from all activities outside the home for 12 days.

Measles is no longer an indigenous disease in the U.S. International importation of measles, however, remains an important source of measles transmission in this country. In Minnesota during the past 4 years, ten cases of measles have been reported; six (60%) were imported, and three (30%) were associated with an imported case.

All suspected measles cases should be reported immediately to MDH. The CDC currently recommends serologic testing for measles and rubella for patients presenting with rash illnesses compatible with either measles or rubella. Blood specimens for IgM serology should be drawn at least 72 hours after rash onset. Blood specimens for acute and convalescent IgG serology should be drawn within 10 (preferably within 7) days after rash onset and again 3 to 5 weeks later. Acute and convalescent specimens should be tested as paired sera. Viral cultures from clinical specimens (e.g., blood and urine) may be sent to CDC via the MDH for genotypic strain identification and tracking of importation and transmission patterns.

• For up to date information see>> Measles
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2000