AN OUTBREAK of measles among school-aged children occurred in Juneau, Alaska, from February 16 through April 25,1996. Of 63 confirmed cases,* 47 were serologically confirmed, and virus was cultured from 15; a total of 41 (65%) were among school-aged children (i.e., aged 6-18 years). This report summarizes results of the epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Division of Public Health, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADPH), which found evidence of measles transmission at schools despite high rates of coverage with one dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV).
The first five cases occurred among four students and a teacher at an elementary school; all had rash onset during February 16-19. The 63 case-patients ranged in age from 8 months to 45 years (median: 11 years): one was aged <1 year; 10 (16%), 1-4 years; 41 (65%), 5-19 years; and 11 (18%), ≥20 years. Two persons with measles were hospitalized,