A measles outbreak is ongoing in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The 4 states in FSM are Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. The states together comprise more than 600 islands. Measles has been reported in two of the states: Kosrae and Pohnpei. As of June 18, 2014, in the state of Kosrae, there have been 158 suspected cases of measles (30 confirmed by testing). In the state of Pohnpei, there have been 47 measles cases reported (9 confirmed by testing). A vaccination campaign has been completed in Kosrae and one is underway in Pohnpei.
A current measles outbreak in Washington State has been linked to travel to the Pacific Islands.
Pohnpei is hosting the eighth Micronesian (Micro) Games July 20–30, 2014, at various sport venues around the island. The Micro Games is an international sporting event and includes participants from the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, the Territory of Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
CDC recommends that travelers to Micronesia protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles, including infants 6–11 months of age (1 dose of measles vaccine) and children 12 months of age or older, adolescents, and adults (2 doses of measles vaccine). Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and rash, especially if the patient has recently traveled internationally.
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