Travelers should get measles vaccine

ATLANTA, April 8 (UPI) -- Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 but health officials say it is still present in the world so risk of the disease persists.

Officials of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say in a report that measles has been imported among U.S. residents returning from foreign travel and among foreign visitors to the United States.

"In the first two months of 2011, seven cases of measles were reported among 6-23 month U.S. infants who traveled abroad and four of these children were hospitalized due to severe measles-related complications. The risk of complications or death from measles is highest among young children," the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report says. "All seven of these infections and the associated complications were potentially preventable through adherence to vaccination recommendations endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices."

CDC officials recommend all international travelers of any age should be up to date with measles vaccinations. Infants ages 6–11 months should receive one dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine before traveling internationally, and children age 12 months and older should receive two doses, the CDC says.