Question: What is the burden of a measles outbreak on public health?
Findings: This epidemiologic assessment and cost analysis of a 2013 measles outbreak in New York City, New York, found 58 cases of measles infection and 3351 exposed contacts, with 78% of the age-eligible cases unvaccinated owing to refusal or intentional delay. Total direct costs to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene were $394 448, and 10 054 personnel hours were consumed responding to and controlling the outbreak.
Meaning: Measles vaccine refusals or delays can lead to large outbreaks following measles importations, with costly and resource intensive response and containment.
