Japanese health officials are predicting measles could reach epidemic levels in the months ahead. The number of recorded measles cases during the first weeks of 2008 is on pace to exceed case numbers reported last year, when hundreds of schools were forced to close to curb outbreaks, according to Japanese officials. Kanagawa Prefecture is reporting the greatest number of cases, followed by Hokkaido, Fukuoka and Tokyo. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease with an incubation period of seven-21 days. Recovery generally occurs within 10-14 days but serious complications, including pneumonia, may occur. Complications are most likely in children under five, adults over 20 and immuno-suppressed persons. Infected people are most contagious for eight days - four days before and four days after the rash erupts. People born before 1957 generally acquired immunity to measles and mumps in childhood. People born after 1957 and those who did not have the disease as children are immune if they have received a two-dose series of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. All international travelers should be sure they are immune to measles and mumps before travel. Our Corporate Travel Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need immediate assistance and your company has a designated Expedia Corporate Travel phone number, please call that number directly. If you do not have a designated number, in the U.S. please call us at 1-866-EXP-CORP (1-866-397-2677) or 1-702-939-2530. When traveling outside the U.S., please refer to the following, use the following local international customer service numbers. You can also reach us via e-mail by using our "support and feedback" form. Help and guidance resources are readily available in our Expedia Corporate Travel Support Center.

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