As of May 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed 764 cases of measles in 23 states. To date, no cases have been confirmed in the Carolinas. The total of 764, however, is the highest reported in the U.S. since 1994. Measles in the U.S. was declared eliminated in 2000.
All NHRMC system employees should have immunity to measles. All employees should have either had two doses of measles-containing vaccine, titers to determine if immune or are considered to have natural immunity if born prior to 1957. If the above criteria are met, then CDC considers an individual having immunity.
The NHRMC Employee Health and Clinic will not change its practice regarding vaccinations at this time.
We will stay abreast of the evolving situation and future recommendations. If you are unsure if you have two documented MMRs, then you should discuss your options with your primary care physician and EHS.
Please remain vigilant in identifying any patient that may present with measles and take immediate measures to control the spread of infection.
Click here for thoughts from NHRMC Chief Epidemiologist Paul Kamitsuka.
For further information, visit
https://apic.org/Resource_/TinyMceFileManager/for_consumers/Measles_2019.pdf
or
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html