CDC Warns World Cup Soccer Fans to Beware of Measles

ATLANTA, June 23 ? Americans returning after the World Cup in Germany should be wary of measles, according to the CDC, which issued a measles warning today aimed at soccer fans.

The CDC advisory noted that there have been 1,200 cases of measles reported in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany since Jan. 1. Three World Cup host cities ? Cologne, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen ? are in that region.

The warning came just a day after the United States team was eliminated from the competition as the result of a loss to Ghana.

The CDC said it is particularly worried about the World Cup because the event is expected to draw more than one million tourists, which means that people will be "in close proximity and the measles virus is extremely contagious."

In its advisory, the CDC recommended that travelers to Germany check their immunization status and update vaccinations as necessary.

Additionally, people returning from the World Cup should "see a healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of measles ? a fever and a raised rash that begins on the face and spreads to the arms and legs, cough, red eyes, or a runny nose."

People who develop these symptoms should "limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent spread of the disease" and doctors who treat patients with fever should ask about recent international travel and vaccination history."

According to the CDC, live measles vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent disease and immune globulin given up to six days after exposure may prevent disease among people at high risk for complications, such as pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and children.