CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Regarding Measles Vaccination

This message is being sent to local health officers, Tribal health directors, VFC providers, VFA providers, Wisconsin vaccinators, LTHD nurses, local health department staff, select immunization program staff, and infection preventionists.

The CDC released the following HAN on March 18, 2024: Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination.

Since the start of 2024 there have been 58 confirmed measles cases in the United States. There were only 58 domestic cases of measles in 2023. The CDC outlines guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers 6 months and younger, and all domestic travelers 12 months and younger. 

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

As of March 20, 2024 there have been no confirmed cases of measles in Wisconsin. 

Updated maps of MMR coverage for children can be found on the DHS website under the accordion titled “reports for children aged 0-18 years.”

DHS continues to recommend the following action items

• Health care providers are required to immediately report by telephone the suspected or confirmed case to the Local and Tribal Health Department (LTHD) in which the patient resides. Detailed guidance regarding measles case investigation and reporting from DHS is also available.

• Review policies and procedures regarding intake of a measles case. Educate staff on prevention practices.
• Keep a record of staff who have documented measles immunity. Only those with immunity should care for a suspected measles case.
• Assess supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and alcohol-based hand sanitizer available to staff.
• Recommend that health care providers and facilities take steps to ensure that their patient populations are up to date on their measles vaccines.

More details on infection prevention and control, assessment of potential measles cases, reporting, testing, and resources can be found in this email from February 29. 

Please do not reply directly to this email message. If you have a question, please email the immunization program.