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BMC Public Health Jul 2023Measles-containing vaccine (MCV) has been effective in controlling the spread of measles. Some countries have declared measles elimination. But recently years, the...
BACKGROUND
Measles-containing vaccine (MCV) has been effective in controlling the spread of measles. Some countries have declared measles elimination. But recently years, the number of cases worldwide has increased, posing a challenge to the global goal of measles eradication. This study estimated the relationship between meteorological factors and measles using spatiotemporal Bayesian model, aiming to provide scientific evidence for public health policy to eliminate measles.
METHODS
Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on monthly data of measles and meteorological variables in 136 counties of Shandong Province from 2009 to 2017. Spatiotemporal Bayesian model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological factors on measles, and to evaluate measles risk areas at county level. Case population was divided into multiple subgroups according to gender, age and occupation. The effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups were compared.
RESULTS
Specific meteorological conditions increased the risk of measles, including lower relative humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure; higher wind velocity, sunshine duration, and diurnal temperature variation. Taking lowest value (Q1) as reference, RR (95%CI) for higher temperatures (Q2-Q4) were 0.79 (0.69-0.91), 0.54 (0.44-0.65), and 0.48 (0.38-0.61), respectively; RR (95%CI) for higher relative humidity (Q2-Q4) were 0.76 (0.66-0.88), 0.56 (0.47-0.67), and 0.49 (0.38-0.63), respectively; RR (95%CI) for higher wind velocity (Q2-Q4) were 1.43 (1.25-1.64), 1.85 (1.57-2.18), 2.00 (1.59-2.52), respectively. 22 medium-to-high risk counties were identified, mainly in northwestern, southwestern and central Shandong Province. The trend was basically same in the effects of meteorological factors on measles in subgroups, but the magnitude of the effects was different.
CONCLUSIONS
Meteorological factors have an important impact on measles. It is crucial to integrate these factors into public health policies for measles prevention and control in China.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Bayes Theorem; Meteorological Concepts; Temperature; China; Measles
PubMed: 37491220
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16350-y -
Epidemiology and Infection Dec 2019A large-scale measles outbreak (11 495 reported cases, 60% aged ≥15 years) occurred in Georgia during 2013-2015. A nationwide, multistage, stratified cluster...
A large-scale measles outbreak (11 495 reported cases, 60% aged ≥15 years) occurred in Georgia during 2013-2015. A nationwide, multistage, stratified cluster serosurvey for hepatitis B and C among persons aged ≥18 years conducted in Georgia in late 2015 provided an opportunity to assess measles and rubella (MR) susceptibility after the outbreak. Residual specimens from 3125 participants aged 18-50 years were tested for Immunoglobulin G antibodies against MR using ELISA. Nationwide, 6.3% (95% CI 4.9%-7.6%) of the surveyed population were seronegative for measles and 8.6% (95% CI 7.1%-10.1%) were seronegative for rubella. Measles susceptibility was highest among 18-24 year-olds (10.1%) and declined with age to 1.2% among 45-50 year-olds (P < 0.01). Susceptibility to rubella was highest among 25-29 year-olds (15.3%), followed by 18-24 year-olds (11.6%) and 30-34 year-olds (10.2%), and declined to <5% among persons aged ≥35 years (P < 0.001). The susceptibility profiles in the present serosurvey were consistent with the epidemiology of recent MR cases and the history of the immunization programme. Measles susceptibility levels >10% among 18-24 year-olds in Georgia revealed continued risk for outbreaks among young adults. High susceptibility to rubella among 18-34 year-olds indicates a continuing risk for congenital rubella cases.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Disease Outbreaks; Disease Susceptibility; Female; Georgia (Republic); Humans; Male; Measles; Middle Aged; Rubella; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 31822310
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268819002048 -
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Dec 2020Despite a safe and effective vaccine being available for many years, the number of measles cases has been increasing again worldwide since 2018. Our report aims to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Despite a safe and effective vaccine being available for many years, the number of measles cases has been increasing again worldwide since 2018. Our report aims to identify putative reasons for this development.
METHODS
We conducted a selective literature search. Further, current reports and data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank were evaluated.
RESULTS
According to the WHO, Madagascar, the Ukraine, and Israel had the highest incidences of measles worldwide between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. Measles outbreaks are a sign of inadequate vaccination rates caused by multiple structural and psychological barriers. Structural barriers to measles vaccination, such as a lack of routine vaccination programs, have been identified as the main cause of low measles vaccination rates, particularly in fragile countries e.g. due to armed conflicts, but also in some subpopulations of higher-income countries e.g. due to lacking resources for vaccination services. Psychological barriers leading to vaccination skepticism were prevalent mainly in developed countries with well-functioning health systems and a high standard of living.
CONCLUSION
The reasons for the global measles crisis are manifold and in some cases have existed for decades. However, the consequences appear to be accumulating and have had a dramatic impact on case numbers since 2018. The goal of measles elimination and maintenance of the necessary vaccination programs is a constant challenge that requires strict and permanent compliance with WHO recommendations. The number of measles cases reported in Germany is still at a level above the key target for measles elimination specified in the national immunization plan. Timely and/or locally restricted as well as nationwide outbreaks continue to occur. Since infectious agents can be transmitted across borders, the international perspective is an essential component of national health policy in Germany.
Topics: Armed Conflicts; Child; Germany; Global Health; Humans; Immunization Programs; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Vaccination
PubMed: 33185709
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03241-5 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Aug 2016This study examined the epidemiological and serological characteristics of measles in Dongguan, China. From 2005 to 2014, a total of 8,224 measles cases were reported in...
This study examined the epidemiological and serological characteristics of measles in Dongguan, China. From 2005 to 2014, a total of 8,224 measles cases were reported in Dongguan, 33.5% of which were aged <1 y and 30.6% >14 y. From 2005 to 2014, the proportion of the <1 y measles cases increased year by year from 24.3% to 47.9%. Of the cases aged ≥8 months (n = 6,768 cases), only 11.6% had been immunized with at least one dose of measles vaccine. Of the 2,213 cases who had never been immunized with measles vaccine, immigrants accounted for 82.4%. 52.4% of the measles cases were diagnosed with pneumonia, and 12 cases died from respiratory failure. Seroprevalence rate in women and their newborns was 86.0% and 82.5%, respectively. Measurement of serum measles antibody levels for infants aged less than 8 months indicated that seroprevalence rate dramatically declined from 97.3% at birth to 9.3% and 13.2% at 6- and 7- month old. The existence of a sufficient pool of unvaccinated people (especially immigrants) and decreased level of passively transferred measles antibodies in infants from vaccinated mothers contributed to the sustained transmission observed in Dongguan. In addition to high routine vaccination coverage, new strategies and innovations for measles vaccination are needed to eliminate measles.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Antibodies, Viral; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Measles; Pregnancy; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survival Analysis; Young Adult
PubMed: 27003239
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1159364 -
PloS One 2015In Senegal, with the variable routine vaccination coverage, the risk for illness and death from measles still exists as evidenced by the measles epidemic episode in...
BACKGROUND
In Senegal, with the variable routine vaccination coverage, the risk for illness and death from measles still exists as evidenced by the measles epidemic episode in 2009. Since 2002 a laboratory-based surveillance system of measles was established by the Ministry of Health and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar. The present study analysed the data collected over the 10 years inclusive between 2004-2013 in order to define a measles epidemiological profile in Senegal, and we carried out a phylogenetic analysis of measles virus circulating in Senegal over the period 2009-2012.
METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS
A total number of 4580 samples were collected from suspected cases, with the most cases between 2008 and 2010 (2219/4580; 48.4%). The majority of suspected cases are found in children from 4-6 years old (29%). 981 (21.4%) were measles laboratory-confirmed by IgM ELISA. The measles confirmation rate per year is very high during 2009-2010 periods (48.5% for each year). Regarding age groups, the highest measles IgM-positivity rate occurred among persons aged over 15 years with 39.4% (115/292) followed by 2-3 years old age group with 30.4% (323/1062) and 30% (148/494) in children under one year old group. The majority of suspected cases were collected between February and June and paradoxically confirmed cases rates increased from July (77/270; 28.6%) and reached a peak in November with 60% (93/155). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the 29 sequences from strains that circulated in Senegal between 2009 and 2012 belong to the B3 genotype and they are clustered in B3.1 (2011-2012) and B3.3 (2009-2011) sub-genotypes according to a temporal parameter.
CONCLUSION
Improvements in the measles surveillance in Senegal are required and the introduction of oral fluid and FTA cards as an alternative to transportation of sera should be investigated to improve surveillance. The introduction of a national vaccine database including number of doses of measles-containing vaccine will greatly improve efforts to interrupt and ultimately eliminate measles virus transmission in Senegal.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Measles virus; Senegal
PubMed: 26000828
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121704 -
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly... Dec 2019In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region countries, including China, resolved to eliminate measles by 2012 or as soon as feasible thereafter...
In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region countries, including China, resolved to eliminate measles by 2012 or as soon as feasible thereafter (1). As of 2018, nine* of the 37 Western Pacific Region countries or areas had eliminated measles. China's Measles Elimination Action Plan 2006-2012 included strengthening routine immunization; conducting measles risk assessments, followed by supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) at national and subnational levels; strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity; and investigating and responding to measles outbreaks. Most recently, progress toward measles elimination in China was described in a 2014 report documenting measles elimination efforts in China during 2008-2012 and a resurgence in 2013 (2). This report describes progress toward measles elimination in China during January 2013-June 2019. Measles incidence per million persons decreased from 20.4 in 2013 to 2.8 in 2018; reported measles-related deaths decreased from 32 in 2015 to one in 2018 and no deaths in 2019 through June. Measles elimination in China can be achieved through strengthening the immunization program's existing strategy by ensuring sufficient vaccine supply; continuing to improve laboratory-supported surveillance, outbreak investigation and response; strengthening school entry vaccination record checks; vaccinating students who do not have documentation of receipt of 2 doses of measles-rubella vaccine; and vaccinating health care professionals and other adults at risk for measles.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Disease Eradication; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Immunization Programs; Incidence; Infant; Male; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Population Surveillance
PubMed: 31805034
DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6848a2 -
The Lancet. Global Health Oct 2022
Topics: Health Equity; Humans; Measles; Rubella
PubMed: 36113510
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00388-6 -
Bulletin of the World Health... 1991WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization has significantly helped to reduce global morbidity and mortality from measles. Recently, some African countries with high... (Review)
Review
WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization has significantly helped to reduce global morbidity and mortality from measles. Recently, some African countries with high vaccine coverage levels have reported measles outbreaks in children above the current target age group for immunization. Outbreaks such as these are to be expected, unless close to 100% of the population are immunized with a vaccine which is 100% effective. Success of an immunization programme requires identification of the distribution and ages of susceptible children and reduction of their concentration throughout the community. Priority should be given to urban and densely populated rural areas. In large urban areas, high coverage of infants must be achieved soon after the age at which they lose their maternal antibodies and become susceptible. This will be facilitated by the introduction of high-dose measles vaccines which can be given at 6 months of age. Where measles incidence is increasing among children aged over 2 years, immunization of older children may be considered during contacts with the health care system, or at primary school entry, if this does not divert resources from immunization of younger children. Health workers should be informed of the predicted changes in measles epidemiology following immunization. The collection, analysis and use of data on measles (vaccine coverage, morbidity and mortality) should be improved at all levels of the health care system in order to monitor the immunization programme's overall impact, identify pockets of low coverage, and allow early detection of and response to measles outbreaks.
Topics: Africa; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Infant; Measles; Measles Vaccine; United States; World Health Organization
PubMed: 2054914
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Medicine (London, England) Oct 2018Adult-onset measles is rare in the UK, particularly in patients with a complete vaccination history.We present a case of a UK-born patient who received all childhood...
Adult-onset measles is rare in the UK, particularly in patients with a complete vaccination history.We present a case of a UK-born patient who received all childhood vaccinations, had no history of recent travel or unwell contacts who was diagnosed with measles complicated by pneumomediastinum. This case highlights the need to consider measles in any patient presenting with a constellation of a macular rash, fever and conjunctivitis, regardless of vaccination status. The nature of the rash can provide an important clue to the diagnosis. Liaison with infection specialists facilitates early diagnosis, allowing for appropriate initial investigations, improving clinical management and early infection control precautions being instituted.
Topics: Adult; Exanthema; Humans; Male; Measles; Mediastinal Emphysema; Skin; United Kingdom
PubMed: 30287436
DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-5-403 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... May 2015
Topics: Child; Emergency Service, Hospital; Exanthema; Female; Humans; Measles; Mouth Mucosa
PubMed: 25754702
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.141656