Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus. Although sustained measles transmission has not occurred in the United States since the late 1990's, imported cases continue to occur among U.S. travelers returning from areas of the world where measles is endemic. Recently, outbreaks due to imported measles cases have occurred in a number of states. Measles remains a common disease in many countries, and transmission is currently occurring in a number of European countries.

Resources for the Public

• Measles fact sheet

• Measles Disease and Vaccination (CDC website)

Resources for Health Care Professionals

• Measles Alert: Guidance for Emergency Departments and Healthcare Providers

• Immunization Action Coalition (IAC website)

• Specimen Collection Instructions (CDC)    

Resources for Schools and Childcare 

• Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings

• School Immunization Requirements

Resources for Public Health Professionals

• Communicable Disease Manual - Measles   (updated March 2013)
• Algorithm to Determine Susceptibility in Those Exposed to Measles     ^New
• Measles Investigation Summary       ^New
• Questionnaire for Suspect Measles Cases     ^New       
• Measles Information Sheet     ^New  
• Specimen Collection Instructions (CDC)
• Measles Surveillance Worksheet  
  • Instructions
• Measles quarantine notice (template)
• Measles Travel Flyer
• Measles Management Timeline  (from El Paso County Public Health)
• Measles Outbreaks in the U.S. (CDC website)
• Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:  Measles (CDC)
• Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Measles (CDC, 12th Edition)

Data and Statistics

• Reported Cases of Vaccine Preventable Disease in Colorado
• Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance Report, 2011