WASHINGTON (Feb. 17, 2013)— The U.S. experienced a record number of measles cases during 2014, with 644 cases from 27 states reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. This is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000. George Washington University (GW) medicine and public health experts are available to comment on the ongoing measles outbreak.

Experts from the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences are available to comment on preventative measures, infection, and treatment of measles. Please contact Lisa Anderson at [email protected] or 202-994-3121 to interview Drs. Simon, Parenti or May.

- Gary Simon, MD, PhD, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Walter G. Ross Professor of Medicine and of Microbiology & Tropical Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences- David Parenti, MD, Professor of Medicine and of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences- Larrissa May, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

An expert from the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health is available to talk about vaccine policy and the current measles outbreak. Please contact Kathy Fackelmann at [email protected] or 202-994-8354 to interview Prof. Stewart:

- Alexandra M. Stewart, JD, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health

An expert from the GW School of Nursing is available to talk about the anti-vaccine movement and immunization surrounding the current measles outbreak. Please contact Emily Grebenstein at [email protected] or 202-994-3087 to interview Prof. Rudner:

- Nancy Rudner, DrPH, APRN, Adjunct Professor at the GW School of Nursing - Joyce Pulcini, PhD, RN, PNP-BC, FAAN, Professor and Director of Community and Global Initiatives at the GW School of Nursing - Stephanie Wright, PhD, NP, Interim Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor at the GW School of Nursing- Mary Jean Schumann, DNP, MBA, RN, CPNP, FAAN, Interim Dean and Assistant Professor of Nursing