Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella among service members and other beneficiaries of the Military Health System, 2010-2016.

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR/V) are highly communicable infectious diseases whose causative agents are spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or airborne droplets. Individuals at highest risk for MMR/V infections include infants, unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated persons, individuals living in communities with low vaccination rates or in crowded and unsanitary conditions, and persons with compromised immune systems. During 2010-2016, there were 11 confirmed measles cases and 76 confirmed mumps cases among all Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries. Only one of the confirmed cases of measles was in a service member. There were seven confirmed rubella cases among all MHS beneficiaries. Among service members, there were 62 confirmed cases of varicella during the surveillance period. The number of confirmed cases of varicella among service members dropped from 28 cases in 2010 and 27 cases in 2011 to seven confirmed cases in 2012. There were no confirmed cases of varicella among active and reserve component service members during 2013-2016. Recent trends in MMR/V in both military and civilian populations in the U.S. highlight the importance of primary and booster vaccinations.