Health
CDC: Measles exposure in travel
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 17, 2006
Travelers to and from Germany are being warned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of possible exposure to the measles virus, which is affecting three of the 12 cities hosting the World Cup soccer games. Since Jan. 1, nearly 1,200 cases of measles have been reported in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.
Because the games are expected to draw more than 1 million fans who will be closely packed in viewing stands, the CDC has raised cautions about this extremely contagious virus and recommends that travelers check their immunization status and visit their physicians if they are not immune to measles or are not sure they are.
People returning from the games should see a health care professional if they develop a fever, raised rash and cough, according to a June 23 CDC advisory. Those who have symptoms of measles also should avoid contact with others, and physicians seeing patients with fevers should ask about vaccination history and recent international travel.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/07/17/hlbf0717.htm.