The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) has confirmed a case of measles in a partially vaccinated Monongalia County resident who recently traveled internationally. This is the first case of measles reported in West Virginia since 2009. State health officials are working closely with Monongalia County Health Department staff to investigate the case and conduct contact tracing. DH is not aware of any broader community public exposures for the confirmed case, however in an abundance of caution, we are alerting clinicians to the presence of measles in Monongalia County and asking providers to consider measles in patients who present with compatible symptoms.
On March 18, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for international travelers ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles cases continue to be brought into the U.S. by travelers who are infected while in other countries. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents. Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the U.S. Many countries, including popular travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks. As of April 18, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been notified of 125 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions.
Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. All U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations.