CDC: Biggest Measles Year Since 1996

There have been more cases of measles in the United States this year than since 1996, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) media advisory. Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC, during the Aug. 21 audio webcast said “the CDC has received reports of 131 cases so far this year.”
These cases, which include outbreaks in Washington and Illinois, stem from importations brought to the U.S. from other countries—Europe, in particular. When a U.S. citizen who hasn’t been vaccinated travels abroad or a foreigner visiting the U.S. brings the virus into the states, the virus then spreads to others who are not vaccinated. Schuchat says the affected are typically home schooled children or children who haven’t been vaccinated due to religious or philosophical reasons. Infants too young to be vaccinated are also at risk.
The recommended age for receiving the measles vaccination is 12 to 15 months old—six to 11 months if an infant will be traveling internationally, with two more doses after 12 months of age.

CPT® codes	Description
90705	Measles virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use
90707	Measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine (MMR), live, for subcutaneous use
90708	Measles and rubella virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use
90710	Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV), live, for subcutaneous use