WASHINGTON, 2025-06-16 17:18:00
Measles Alert: Camps on Notice
The CDC is urging summer camps to ensure all children and staff have documented immunity to measles as cases rise.
- The CDC is concerned about potential measles outbreaks, especially with declining vaccination rates.
- Camps should verify immunity through vaccination records or proof of prior infection.
- Unvaccinated individuals face a significantly higher risk of contracting measles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging summer camps to verify immunity documentation for all children and staff because measles cases are nearing record levels in isolated areas. This proactive measure aims to curb potential outbreaks, as measles is highly contagious, especially in close-contact environments like summer camps.
“I think there has been increased concerns about potential for additional outbreaks and spread, especially in the setting of waning or lowering rates of immunizations,” said Dr. Alexandra Yonts, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at Children’s National Hospital. She adds, “Nine out of every 10 folks who are unimmunized will get measles when exposed to someone who is actively ill.”
The CDC emphasizes that measles spreads swiftly, particularly among campers and staff who spend a lot of time in close proximity. As Dr. Yonts explains, “In sleepaway camps, you have lots of children in very close contact, pretty much constantly…And for something like measles, that is extremely contagious.”
The CDC encourages camps to meticulously maintain documentation of measles immunity status for all campers, staff, and volunteers. This includes anyone with medical or other exemptions from vaccination. This information helps health departments identify individuals who are not immune to measles, enabling them to provide post-exposure prophylaxis, if needed.
Which children are at risk?
A child who has received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine, and is otherwise healthy, with no immunocompromising conditions or treatments, is “considered protected and there’s really nothing else to do, other than watch those children and have them stay home if they do develop fever and a rash,” or other measles symptoms, according to Dr. Yonts.
For unvaccinated children, “they are at much higher risk of getting sick, they need to have a higher level of suspicion, and may qualify for treatments such as immunoglobulin, in the case of exposure,” Dr. Yonts said.
The CDC’s recommendations also encompass informing campers, parents, and staff about state, local, and/or camp vaccination requirements before the camp session begins. According to Dr. Yonts, “Immunity is something that’s required in schools during the year, so, frankly, it just makes sense that summer camps should also want the same level of protection.”
