Lack Of Vaccination Linked to Highed Measles Outbreak

Since January 2008, there have been 64 cases of measles reported in nine states in the U.S. That may seem like a small number, but it's actually the highest number for the same period of time since 2001. Currently Measles outbreaks are still going on in Arizona, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin.

Of the 64 cases of Measles outbreaks, 59 occurred among U.S. residents and 54 were associated with importation of measles from other countries. Most (63) case-patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status; 1 had received two doses of vaccine. Of the 59 U.S. patients,

* 13 were < 12 months old - Too young to be vaccinated routinely

* 7 were 12-15 months old - Not yet vaccinated

* 21 were 16 months to 19 years old
14 (67%) claimed vaccination exemptions due to religious or personal beliefs
7 (all < 5 years of age) were unvaccinated due to delay or missed opportunities

* 18 were > 20 years old