McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the
Illinois Department of Public Health in advising residents who have recently
travelled or will travel internationally this summer to “think measles”.
Measles remains a common and highly contagious disease in many parts of the world, including some parts of Europe, Africa, India and the Philippines. For anyone traveling to Europe or attending events such as the summer Olympics in London or the UEGA “Euro 2012” Championship may be at risk for being exposed to measles.
In the U.S., most of the measles cases result from international travel. Even domestic travelers may be exposed on airplanes or in airports. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination coverage and effective public health response. The last reported case of confirmed measles in McHenry County was in 2001.
“Immunization is a shared responsibility,” states Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Administrator. “Families, health care professionals and our public health partners must work together to help protect our communities.” Travelers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up to date with vaccinations.
It is important to note that a history of 2 doses of MMR vaccination does not exclude a measles diagnosis. Because of this risk, all travelers should be up to date on their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going. Before any international travel—
Measles remains a common and highly contagious disease in many parts of the world, including some parts of Europe, Africa, India and the Philippines. For anyone traveling to Europe or attending events such as the summer Olympics in London or the UEGA “Euro 2012” Championship may be at risk for being exposed to measles.
In the U.S., most of the measles cases result from international travel. Even domestic travelers may be exposed on airplanes or in airports. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination coverage and effective public health response. The last reported case of confirmed measles in McHenry County was in 2001.
“Immunization is a shared responsibility,” states Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Administrator. “Families, health care professionals and our public health partners must work together to help protect our communities.” Travelers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up to date with vaccinations.
It is important to note that a history of 2 doses of MMR vaccination does not exclude a measles diagnosis. Because of this risk, all travelers should be up to date on their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going. Before any international travel—
- Infants 6 months through 11 months of age should have 1 dose of measles vaccine. Infants who get 1 dose of measles vaccine before their first birthday should get 2 more doses of the vaccine (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose at least 28 days later).
- Children 12 months of age or older should have 2 doses separated by at least 28 days.
- Adolescents and Adults who have not had measles or been vaccinated should get 2 doses separated by at least 28 days.
For questions regarding measles, travel protection, or
any suspect cases contact the MCDH Communicable Disease Department at
815-334-4500. Get the latest news from MCDH at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.
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