Warn Patients: Before Going on Vacation, Know the Measles Situation Where You’re Heading

Prevailing wisdom is that the current outbreak of measles in the United States began when travelers returned from visiting a country where immunization is not the norm to a community where compliance rates are low. It hasn’t taken long for over a thousand people to be diagnosed, and it’s likely the spread isn’t over. The series of events essentially exposed a loophole in the idea that herd immunity is “enough.” Now that Americans are starting to head out on summer vacations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising anyone traveling to Europe to ensure their immunizations are up to date. This is the perfect time for you to do the same regarding all immunizations. Ask new patients about their status, and be prepared to fill any gaps in their immunization history on the spot. Further, the CDC also advised, be alert for any febrile rash that develops in a patient who has recently returned from a trip abroad, or who has a close contact who just got back from one.