In May 2014, the United States recorded the largest number of reported measles cases since 1994 and the number continues to rise. Most cases reported have been acquired in the U.S. and are associated with importations from countries where measles is still common. This highly contagious, acute viral illness spreads quickly in unvaccinated populations once reaching the U.S. The recent measles outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage in the U.S. and ensuring age-appropriate vaccination for international travelers. During this COCA call, clinicians will learn the status of measles in the U.S. and CDC vaccination recommendations and guidelines for patient assessment and management.

Keep important papers together in a safe place. Take them with you if you need to evacuate.

Added a new Tsunamis resource in Spanish.

Meta! That's Portuguese for goal, and it's a word you'll be hearing more often starting Thursday, June 12th, when the FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil. The World Cup is similar to the Olympics in regard to travel unknowns. If you make the trip, you'll be traveling to a foreign country where you might not be familiar with the language and have to deal with spread-out venues and large crowds. Although the spread of communicable diseases like flu are higher during events like this, the truth is that motor vehicle crashes are the number 1 killer of healthy U.S. citizens in foreign countries. Click for some last-minute tips and suggestions for having a safe World Cup.

Hurricane Season started June 1st. Remember to check your emergency kit from last season. Make sure that you have everything you need. Replace expired items such as food and medicine.

Swimming and other water-related activities are popular during the summer. However, Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating ameba, may be present in warm freshwater and can result in primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) - a rare disease that is almost always fatal. Additionally, the chlorine-tolerant parasite Cryptosporidium, is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne disease among humans in the United States. During this COCA call, clinicians will learn about PAM and diarrhea resulting from Cryptosporidium, how to prevent these diseases, and what to do if you suspect your patient has one of them.

Decide ahead of time where you and your family will go if you have to evacuate. Know how to prepare your home and car before a hurricane arrives.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for June 2, 2014

On 5 May 2014, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) accepted the recommendations of an Emergency Committee, declaring the international spread of polio to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the authority of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and issued vaccination requirements for travelers in order to prevent further spread of the disease. IHR is an international agreement among countries to prevent, protect or control the international spread of disease. All countries have agreed to be bound by recommended activities under IHR.

On 5 May 2014, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) accepted the recommendations of an Emergency Committee, declaring the international spread of polio to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the authority of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and issued vaccination requirements for travelers in order to prevent further spread of the disease. IHR is an international agreement among countries to prevent, protect or control the international spread of disease. All countries have agreed to be bound by recommended activities under IHR.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for May 19, 2014

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has caused severe respiratory illness and death in several countries. All cases have been linked, through residence or travel, to countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula. Epidemiologic investigations have demonstrated that this virus can spread from person to person during close contact, such as within families and healthcare facilities. Investigations of the two imported cases of MERS in the US are ongoing. During this COCA Call, clinicians will learn about the latest situation, surveillance, travelers' health, and updates to CDC clinical guidance for testing, patient evaluation and infection control.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteer Rosalia Parada talks about using her job experience to aid her community during a TB investigation in our new blog post.

Added a new resource for lightning readiness information in Spanish.

Spring came in like a lion and brought with it unpredictable weather. From strong storms to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires, this spring has packed a punch. Because spring weather can be so unpredictable, it's a smart idea to be prepared now. Our new blog post has great tips for how you can be ready for spring weather.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a virus that has caused severe respiratory illness and death in the Middle East. Epidemiologic investigations have demonstrated that this virus spreads from person to person during close contact, such as within families and healthcare facilities. The first case of imported MERS-CoV was reported last week in the state of Indiana. Clinicians have a critical role in recognizing and managing suspected cases of MERS-CoV. During this COCA Call, CDC subject matter experts will discuss the epidemiology, clinical signs, and infection control recommendations for MERS-CoV.

Switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel in your home to the "off" position before starting a gasoline or diesel generator. This will prevent supplying electricity to outside power lines from your generator, and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.

Confirmed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Case in Indiana, 2014

The first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the United States, identified in a traveler, was reported to CDC by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) on May 1, 2014, and confirmed by CDC on May 2. The patient is in a hospital in Indiana after having flown from Saudi Arabia to Chicago via London. The purpose of this HAN is to alert clinicians, health officials, and others to increase their index of suspicion to consider MERS-CoV infection in travelers from the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries. Please disseminate this information to infectious disease specialists, intensive care physicians, primary care physicians, and infection preventionists, as well as to emergency departments and microbiology laboratories.

Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue, and charcoal grills outside and 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.