Measles

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There were no cases of measles in Indiana in 2000. In recent years, almost all reported cases of measles in the U.S. could be traced directly or indirectly to foreign travel or contact with foreign visitors. Therefore, it is believed that measles is no longer an indigenous disease in the United States. From 1994-2000, only six measles cases have been reported in Indiana. All six cases were directly linked to foreign exposure from the following countries: Zimbabwe (3), Japan (1), England (1), and the Philippine Islands (1). Figure Meas1 shows the incidence of measles in Indiana from 1991-2000.

Maintaining a thorough measles surveillance program, including complete investigation of each suspected case, is essential in determining the level of measles incidence in the United States. As part of a measles investigation, serological specimens for IgM testing should be drawn at least 72 hours after rash onset. In 2000, eight cases of measles were reported and investigated in Indiana. Negative IgM serology was obtained on all eight and, therefore, each case was eventually ruled out. Although current measles incidence is low in Indiana and the United States, importation of cases from outside the United States necessitates that suspicion of measles in the diagnosis of febrile rash illness remain at a high level. 

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