From January 1 to April 26, 2019, more than 700 individual cases of measles (rubeola) have been confirmed in 22 states. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. The CDC is tracking the outbreaks.

This virus represents a challenge to emergency medicine because it is very highly infectious and has been rarely seen in emergency departments in the recent past. Please see the ACEP fact sheet, below, about this disease for a review of its presentation, clinical course and implications for your emergency department.

ACEP Fact Sheet on Measles
Updated in April 2019 by the ACEP Epidemic Expert Panel

More Information:

• Identify-Isolate-Inform
  A Tool for the Initial Detection and Management of Measles Patients in the ED, Article, March 11, 2015
• Measles Images
  VisualDx.com - February 13, 2015
• Measles Outbreak Highlights the Need for Infectious Disease Containment Protocols in the Emergency Department
  ACEP Now - February 12, 2015
• Measles (Rubeola)
  CDC information page
• Measles (Rubeola) For Healthcare Professionals
  CDC clinical information
• "Travelers' Health" - Measles (Rubeola)
  CDC chapter on Infectious Diseases Related To Travel
• Measles - Q&A about Disease & Vaccine
  CDC frequently asked questions
• KidsHealth - Measles Information for Parents
  From Nemours