CDC Issued High-Level Measles Advisory for the USA

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory on September 20, 2021, that recommends clinicians be on alert for cases of measles that meet the case definition, as well as other infectious diseases, including mumps, leishmaniasis, and malaria, among evacuees from Afghanistan.

This high-level Health Alert Network Advisory includes both Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease. Around 90% of people who are close contacts and not protected will become following infected exposure to the measles virus.

Evacuees in the USA are required to be vaccinated and complete a 21-day quarantine from the time of measles vaccination at U.S. “Safe Haven” designated locations, such as military bases.

Some evacuees left bases before measles cases were identified, and a mass vaccination campaign began. In addition, some evacuees who arrived in the United States early in the repatriation and resettlement process were transported to locations other than the current eight bases for temporary housing.

Clinicians should immediately notify their local or state health department of any suspected cases of measles. Clinicians should also recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for unvaccinated patients.

However, live vaccines administered to a pregnant woman pose a theoretical risk to the fetus.

Therefore, live, attenuated virus and live bacterial vaccines generally are contraindicated during pregnancy.

Persons at risk of severe disease and/or complications from measles should receive immunoglobulin, says the CDC.

In addition to MMR vaccination, CDC recommends that evacuees are also up to date on vaccinations for varicella, polio, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza.

As of September 20, 2021, CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed measles cases and four cases of mumps among Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens recently arriving from Afghanistan, and continued vigilance is needed.

The CDC's measles outbreak list as of August 13, 2021, shows the countries of Nigeria (6,170), Pakistan (6,032), and Afghanistan (1,273) reporting measles cases in 2021.

And recently, the PAHO reported on September 11, 2021, there have been 578 confirmed measles cases in 2021. 

The US Department of Health and Human Services issues HAN Message. A Health Alert conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.