CDC: US measles level highest since 2001

The number of US measles cases in 2008 is the highest since 2001, and most of these cases originated outside of the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From January through April 25, 2008, there have been 64 cases of measles in the US, 54 of which have come from foreign countries. This is the highest number of measles cases from January through April since 2001. The CDC has reported an average of 62 cases per year from 2001 to 2007.

Of the 64 patients with measles this year, 63 had not been vaccinated, and 14 were infants too young for vaccination. The state with the highest number of cases was New York, with 23 cases (22 were centered in New York City). Other states with measles cases include Arizona (15 cases), California (12 cases), Michigan and Wisconsin (4 cases each), Hawaii (3 cases), and Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (one case each).

The findings, titled "Measles-United States, January 1-April 25, 2008", were published in the CDC's May 1 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.