The health alert was sent to health officials, medical personnel, and potential travelers amid the outbreak, which has led to two confirmed deaths. “With spring and summer travel season approaching in the United States, CDC emphasizes the important role that clinicians and public health officials play in preventing the spread of measles through vaccination,” the agency said in its statement. “They should be vigilant for cases of febrile rash illness that meet the measles case definition, particularly in unvaccinated persons, and share effective measles prevention strategies, including vaccination guidance for international travelers.
” The CDC said that the possibility of widespread measles cases remains low due to “robust U.S. immunization and surveillance” systems and promoted the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine that is commonly given to children.
The health alert was mainly for health care personnel to make sure they isolate people with a suspected case of measles immediately, notify local and health officials if a suspected case is detected, perform laboratory testing to confirm if it is a case, and provide supportive and post-exposure care. State and local officials are also advised to report a measles case within 24 hours to the CDC if any case is confirmed as well as carry out surveillance, according to the health alert. People traveling to domestic or international locations where there are suspected outbreaks are advised to “watch for signs and sympt.