AUBURN, Ala. -- A nurse caring for infected children became the 12th person to get the measles amid an outbreak at a day care in the Auburn and Opelika area, a state health official said Friday.

The other cases have all been infants, several of whom the nurse cared for at a local hospital, said Winkler Sims, chief of immunization for the state Department of Public Health.

Doctors recommend that children not be immunized before their first birthday, and the infected babies were not yet 1 year old.

"Newborns are not really susceptible to measles because they still have some immunity from mom," said Dr. Charles Woernle, assistant state health officer for disease control and prevention. "But by the time they get to about 10 months that immunity is very weak. This is definitely a unique situation."

On Wednesday, state health officials reported 11 cases of measles among the daycare babies, including six this week. Earlier this month, five cases of measles were reported at the same daycare center. Health officials say all of the babies have recovered and most are back in day care.

Health officials believe the outbreak started when one of the children became infected during a trip to the Phillipines and passed the virus to the other babies upon return to the United States.

Health department officials had identified 676 people who could have been exposed to the children. But Winkler said Friday the outbreak has likely been contained.

The measles vaccine is normally given to children on or after their first birthday. Measles, also known as rubeola, red measles or 10-day measles, is a highly contagious viral disease.

Symptoms include a runny nose, a cough and fever, followed later by a red rash.

Previous Stories:

• November 20, 2002: Measles Cases Reported At Auburn-Opelika Day Care