2011: Worst measles year in U.S. in 15 years

ATLANTA -- Last year was the worst for measles in the United States in 15 years, health officials said yesterday.

There were 222 cases of it, a large jump from the 60 or so seen in a typical year. Most of those cases were imported, either by foreign visitors or by U.S. residents who picked up the virus overseas.

U.S. children have been getting vaccinated against measles for about 50 years. But low vaccination rates in Europe and other places resulted in large outbreaks overseas last year.

So far this year, 27 U.S. cases have been reported. With large international events like the London Olympics coming up, health officials are urging everyone, particularly international travelers, to make sure they're fully vaccinated. "For those of you traveling abroad, bring back memories, and not measles," said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two-thirds of the Americans who got measles last year had not been vaccinated, including 50 children whose parents obtained philosophical, religious or medical exemptions to skip the school vaccinations required by most states, CDC officials said.

The vaccine is considered very effective, though a few vaccinated people still get infected.

Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads easily through the air and in closed rooms infected droplets can linger for up to two hours after the sick person leaves.

It causes a fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. In rare cases, measles can be deadly, and is particularly dangerous for children. Infection can also cause pregnant women to have a miscarriage or premature birth.