More than 90% of the United States (U.S.) population is vaccinated against measles, and in 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. However, measles cases and outbreaks do occur every year because measles is still commonly transmitted in many parts of the world, and international travel can result in measles entering the United States and subsequent transmission that may occur from these imported cases. Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in populations where groups of people are unvaccinated.
Measles should be suspected in a patient who has an acute illness characterized by:
- Generalized, maculopapular rash lasting ≥3 days; and
- Temperature ≥101°F or 38.3°C; and
- Cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.
Suspicion of measles should be higher if the patient also has had recent international travel or known or suspected exposure to someone with measles.
If you suspect measles, contact LFHD immediately to discuss the case and arrange for state public health laboratory testing as appropriate.
Resources
General
VDH Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website
LFHD What to Know About Measles Fact Sheet
Testing
VDH's Measles Reporting and Testing Guidance for LFHD Healthcare Providers
LFHD's Healthcare Provider Guidance for Measles Test Requests
DCLS Test Request Form
Instructions for Completing DCLS Test Request Form
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
VDH’s Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidance for Measles Exposures
LFHD Contacts for Healthcare Providers
Normal Business Hours
Clarissa Bonnefond
District Epidemiologist
Direct Line: 540-771-3725
Email: Clarissa.bonnefond@vdh.virginia.gov
Stephanie Neal
District Epidemiologist, Jr.
Direct Line: 540-459-6960
Email: Stephanie.neal@vdh.virginia.gov
Outside of Business Hours
LFHD Answering Service
Direct Line: 540-665-8611