Clinical Epidemiology of Sporadic Measles in a Highly Immunized Population

Abstract

An epidemiologic study of measles occurring in Rhode Island since the institution of an eradication program revealed that statewide elimination of the disease had been very nearly accomplished within only two years. During a 15-month period of intensive surveillance, 106 suspected cases were investigated, but only 49 were ultimately classified as measles. Cases occurred sporadically as solitary events or in self-limited family outbreaks, usually secondary to infections imported from out of state. Military dependents accounted for more than half the cases.