scholarly journals Ethnicity and outcomes in COVID-19 in the United Kingdom: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sania Siddiq ◽  
Saima Ahmed ◽  
Irfan Akram
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Intensive Care Admission ◽  
Adjusted Analysis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Mortality Outcome ◽  
The Uk

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease in the ethnic minorities of the UK in comparison to the White ethnic group. Medline, Embase, Cochrane, MedRxiv, and Prospero were searched for articles published between May 2020 to April 2021. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021248117. Fourteen studies (767177 participants) were included in the review. In the adjusted analysis, the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) for the mortality outcome was higher for the Black (1.83, 95% CI: 1.21-2.76), Asian (1.16, 95% CI: 0.85-1.57), and Mixed and Other (MO) groups (1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20) compared to the White group. The adjusted and unadjusted ORs of intensive care admission were more than double for all ethnicities (OR Black 2.32, 95% CI: 1.73-3.11, Asian 2.34, 95% CI: 1.89-2.90, MO group 2.26, 95% CI: 1.64-3.11). In the adjusted analysis of mechanical ventilation need the ORs were similarly significantly raised (Black group 2.03, 95% CI: 1.80-2.29, Asian group 1.84, 95% CI: 1.20-2.80, MO 2.09, 95% CI: 1.35-3.22). This review confirmed that all ethnic groups in the UK suffered from increased disease severity and mortality with regards to COVID-19. This has urgent public health and policy implications to reduce the health disparities.

scholarly journals Assessing the age specificity of infection fatality rates for COVID-19: systematic review, meta-analysis, and public policy implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1123-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Levin ◽  
William P. Hanage ◽  
Nana Owusu-Boaitey ◽  
Kensington B. Cochran ◽  
Seamus P. Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Exponential Relationship ◽  
Geographical Locations

AbstractDetermine age-specific infection fatality rates for COVID-19 to inform public health policies and communications that help protect vulnerable age groups. Studies of COVID-19 prevalence were collected by conducting an online search of published articles, preprints, and government reports that were publicly disseminated prior to 18 September 2020. The systematic review encompassed 113 studies, of which 27 studies (covering 34 geographical locations) satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Age-specific IFRs were computed using the prevalence data in conjunction with reported fatalities 4 weeks after the midpoint date of the study, reflecting typical lags in fatalities and reporting. Meta-regression procedures in Stata were used to analyze the infection fatality rate (IFR) by age. Our analysis finds a exponential relationship between age and IFR for COVID-19. The estimated age-specific IFR is very low for children and younger adults (e.g., 0.002% at age 10 and 0.01% at age 25) but increases progressively to 0.4% at age 55, 1.4% at age 65, 4.6% at age 75, and 15% at age 85. Moreover, our results indicate that about 90% of the variation in population IFR across geographical locations reflects differences in the age composition of the population and the extent to which relatively vulnerable age groups were exposed to the virus. These results indicate that COVID-19 is hazardous not only for the elderly but also for middle-aged adults, for whom the infection fatality rate is two orders of magnitude greater than the annualized risk of a fatal automobile accident and far more dangerous than seasonal influenza. Moreover, the overall IFR for COVID-19 should not be viewed as a fixed parameter but as intrinsically linked to the age-specific pattern of infections. Consequently, public health measures to mitigate infections in older adults could substantially decrease total deaths.

scholarly journals Assessing the Age Specificity of Infection Fatality Rates for COVID-19: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Public Policy Implications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Levin ◽  
William P. Hanage ◽  
Nana Owusu-Boaitey ◽  
Kensington B. Cochran ◽  
Seamus P. Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Exponential Relationship ◽  
Geographical Locations

Structured AbstractObjectiveDetermine age-specific infection fatality rates for COVID-19 to inform public health policies and communications that help protect vulnerable age groups.MethodsStudies of COVID-19 prevalence were collected by conducting an online search of published articles, preprints, and government reports that were publicly disseminated prior to 18 September 2020. The systematic review encompassed 113 studies, of which 27 studies (covering 34 geographical locations) satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Age-specific IFRs were computed using the prevalence data in conjunction with reported fatalities four weeks after the midpoint date of the study, reflecting typical lags in fatalities and reporting. Meta-regression procedures in Stata were used to analyze the infection fatality rate (IFR) by age.ResultsOur analysis finds a exponential relationship between age and IFR for COVID-19. The estimated age-specific IFR is very low for children and younger adults (e.g., 0.002% at age 10 and 0.01% at age 25) but increases progressively to 0.4% at age 55, 1.4% at age 65, 4.6% at age 75, and 15% at age 85. Moreover, our results indicate that about 90% of the variation in population IFR across geographical locations reflects differences in the age composition of the population and the extent to which relatively vulnerable age groups were exposed to the virus.DiscussionThese results indicate that COVID-19 is hazardous not only for the elderly but also for middle-aged adults, for whom the infection fatality rate is two orders of magnitude greater than the annualized risk of a fatal automobile accident and far more dangerous than seasonal influenza. Moreover, the overall IFR for COVID-19 should not be viewed as a fixed parameter but as intrinsically linked to the age-specific pattern of infections. Consequently, public health measures to mitigate infections in older adults could substantially decrease total deaths.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Physical Activity, and Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity, in Informal Carers in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-218
Author(s):  
Joanna Horne ◽  
Nichola Kentzer ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Mike Trott ◽  
Jitka Vseteckova
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Uk

Background: It is estimated that 17% of the UK adult population are informal carers, usually for a family member, with a majority reporting that they are not able to engage in physical activity as much as they would like. The aim of this review is to provide a greater understanding of the prevalence of, and barriers and facilitators to, physical activity of informal carers in the United Kingdom. Methods: A systematic review of relevant databases and grey literature was undertaken, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidance, from its inception until July 17, 2020. Results: Barriers to physical activity include increasing aging, not wanting to leave the caree alone, the caree being unable to take part in activities, health conditions, fatigue, lack of time, and difficulties in changing the routine for the caree. Facilitators include an appreciation of the benefits of engaging in exercise, previous participation in activities, group activities with similar people, and having some free time. Conclusions: Due to the paucity of research into the prevalence of, and barriers and facilitators to, physical activity in informal carers in the United Kingdom, this systematic review highlights the need for further research, focusing primarily on the physical activity of informal carers caring for individuals with a range of conditions. A further systematic review exploring these issues internationally is warranted.

scholarly journals Acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) carriage after exposure to systemic antimicrobials during travel: systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence C. Wuerz ◽  
Sameer S. Kassim ◽  
Katherine E. Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Beta Lactamase ◽  
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase ◽  
Extended Spectrum

ABSTRACTBackgroundInternational travel is an important risk factor for colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE). Antimicrobial use during travel likely amplifies this risk, yet to what extent, and whether it varies by antimicrobial class, has not been established.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review that included prospective cohorts reporting both receipt of systemic antimicrobials and acquired ESBL-PE isolated from stool or rectum during international travel. We performed a random effects meta-analysis to estimate odds of acquiring ESBL-PE due to antimicrobials during travel, overall and by antimicrobial class.ResultsFifteen studies were included. The study population was mainly female travellers from high income countries recruited primarily from travel clinics. Participants travelled most frequently to Asia and Africa with 10% reporting antimicrobial use during travel. The combined odds ratio (OR) for ESBL-PE acquisition during travel was 2.37 for antimicrobial use overall (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69 to 3.33), but there was substantial heterogeneity between studies. Fluoroquinolones were the antibiotic class associated with the highest combined OR of ESBL-PE acquisition, compared to no antimicrobial use (OR 4.68, 95% CI, 2.34 to 9.37).ConclusionsThe risk of ESBL-PE colonization during travel is increased substantially with exposure to antimicrobials, especially fluoroquinolones. While a small proportion of colonized individuals will develop a resistant infection, there remains the potential for onward spread among returning travellers. Public health efforts to decrease inappropriate antimicrobial usage during travel are warranted.Research in contextEvidence before this studyAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria that commonly cause human infection is of increasing public health concern. International travel has recently been associated with colonization with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing-Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE), increasing the spread of drug resistance among these important pathogens. We searched Pubmed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library for prospective cohort studies published between January 2000 and June 2018, reporting on acquisition of ESBL-PE among travellers, which reported on antimicrobial use during travel. 15 studies were included, which were at moderate risk of bias. The pooled odds ratio for acquisition of ESBL-PE during travel was 2.37 among antimicrobial users, compared to non-users (95% CI, 1.69 to 3.33). The magnitude of this association was stronger among travellers reporting fluoroquinolone use (OR 4.68, 95% CI 2.34 to 9.37).Added value of this studyThis is the first study to quantify the association between antimicrobial use during travel, overall and by specific antimicrobial class, with ESBL-PE acquisition across broad populations of travellers and destination countries.Implications of all the available evidenceFurther study into the mechanisms by which antimicrobials, such as fluoroquinolones, contribute to AMR may identify protective measures. Meanwhile, antimicrobial use during travel for prevention or treatment of mild-to-moderate traveller’s diarrhea should not be recommended routinely. Where indicated, alternatives to fluoroquinolone antimicrobials should be considered.

scholarly journals Triple versus LAMA/LABA combination therapy for patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Koarai ◽  
Mitsuhiro Yamada ◽  
Tomohiro Ichikawa ◽  
Naoya Fujino ◽  
Tomotaka Kawayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Triple Therapy ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Beta Agonist ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dyspnea Score ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Background Recently, the addition of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) combination therapy has been recommended for patients with COPD who have severe symptoms and a history of exacerbations because it reduces the exacerbations. In addition, a reducing effect on mortality has been shown by this treatment. However, the evidence is mainly based on one large randomized controlled trial IMPACT study, and it remains unclear whether the ICS add-on treatment is beneficial or not. Recently, a large new ETHOS trial has been performed to clarify the ICS add-on effects. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety including ETHOS trial. Methods We searched relevant randomized control trials (RCTs) and analyzed the exacerbations, quality of life (QOL), dyspnea symptom, lung function and adverse events including pneumonia and mortality, as the outcomes of interest. Results We identified a total of 6 RCTs in ICS add-on protocol (N = 13,579). ICS/LAMA/LABA treatment (triple therapy) significantly decreased the incidence of exacerbations (rate ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.64–0.83) and improved the QOL score and trough FEV1 compared to LAMA/LABA. In addition, triple therapy significantly improved the dyspnea score (mean difference 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.48) and mortality (odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.87). However, triple therapy showed a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.16–2.00). In the ICS-withdrawal protocol including 2 RCTs, triple therapy also showed a significantly better QOL score and higher trough FEV1 than LAMA/LABA. Concerning the trough FEV1, QOL score and dyspnea score in both protocols, the differences were less than the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion Triple therapy causes a higher incidence of pneumonia but is a more preferable treatment than LAMA/LABA due to the lower incidence of exacerbations, higher trough FEV1 and better QOL score. In addition, triple therapy is also superior to LABA/LAMA due to the lower mortality and better dyspnea score. However, these results should be only applied to patients with symptomatic moderate to severe COPD and a history of exacerbations. Clinical Trial Registration: PROSPERO; CRD42020191978.

scholarly journals Adherence to antihypertensive medications and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212098245
Author(s):  
Assefa Tola Gemeda ◽  
Lemma Demissie Regassa ◽  
Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet ◽  
Bedasa Taye Merga ◽  
Nanti Legesse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Antihypertensive Medication ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

The foundation of controlling hypertension is adherence to antihypertensive medication adherence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of adherence to antihypertensive medication among adult hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. A comprehensible bibliographic searching was conducted from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science core collection. All published and unpublished studies that had been accessible before 31 May 2020, and written in English were eligible. Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the findings of the included studies. Stata software 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Study-specific estimates were pooled to determine the overall prevalence estimate across studies using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias and heterogeneity were checked. Fourteen studies with a total of 4938 hypertensive patients were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of medication adherence among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia was 65.41% (95% confidence interval: 58.91–71.91). Sub-group analysis shown that the pooled prevalence of medication adherence was the highest (69.07%, 95% confidence interval: 57.83–80.31, I2 = 93.51) among studies using questionnaire technique whereas the lowest in Morisky Medication Adherence Scale eight-items (60.66%, 95% confidence interval: 48.92–72.40, I2 = 97.16). Moreover, medication adherence was associated with the presence of comorbidities (pooled odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.38, p = 0.030, I2 = 54.9%) and knowledge about the disease and its management (pooled odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.72–4.24, p = 0.04, I2 = 55.55%) but not with place of residence (pooled odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–1.93, p = 0.00, I2 = 76.9%). Despite a lack of uniformity among included studies, adherence to antihypertensive medication among the hypertensive population in Ethiopia was moderate. The presence of comorbidities and/or complications reduced the odds of adherence whereas having good knowledge about the disease increased chance of medication adherence among hypertensive patients.

scholarly journals Impact of patient and public involvement on enrolment and retention in clinical trials: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. k4738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C Crocker ◽  
Ignacio Ricci-Cabello ◽  
Adwoa Parker ◽  
Jennifer A Hirst ◽  
Alan Chant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Patient And Public Involvement ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of patient and public involvement (PPI) on rates of enrolment and retention in clinical trials and explore how this varies with the context and nature of PPI.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesTen electronic databases, including Medline, INVOLVE Evidence Library, and clinical trial registries.Eligibility criteriaExperimental and observational studies quantitatively evaluating the impact of a PPI intervention, compared with no intervention or non-PPI intervention(s), on participant enrolment and/or retention rates in a clinical trial or trials. PPI interventions could include additional non-PPI components inseparable from the PPI (for example, other stakeholder involvement).Data extraction and analysisTwo independent reviewers extracted data on enrolment and retention rates, as well as on the context and characteristics of PPI intervention, and assessed risk of bias. Random effects meta-analyses were used to determine the average effect of PPI interventions on enrolment and retention in clinical trials: main analysis including randomised studies only, secondary analysis adding non-randomised studies, and several exploratory subgroup and sensitivity analyses.Results26 studies were included in the review; 19 were eligible for enrolment meta-analysis and five for retention meta-analysis. Various PPI interventions were identified with different degrees of involvement, different numbers and types of people involved, and input at different stages of the trial process. On average, PPI interventions modestly but significantly increased the odds of participant enrolment in the main analysis (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval and prediction interval 1.01 to 1.34). Non-PPI components of interventions may have contributed to this effect. In exploratory subgroup analyses, the involvement of people with lived experience of the condition under study was significantly associated with improved enrolment (odds ratio 3.14v1.07; P=0.02). The findings for retention were inconclusive owing to the paucity of eligible studies (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 4.14), for main analysis).ConclusionsThese findings add weight to the case for PPI in clinical trials by indicating that it is likely to improve enrolment of participants, especially if it includes people with lived experience of the health condition under study. Further research is needed to assess which types of PPI work best in particular contexts, the cost effectiveness of PPI, the impact of PPI at earlier stages of trial design, and the impact of PPI interventions specifically targeting retention.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42016043808.

The relationship between migraine and infant colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cephalalgia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy A Gelfand ◽  
Peter J Goadsby ◽  
I Elaine Allen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Infant Colic ◽  
The Relationship

Context Infant colic is a common and distressing disorder of early infancy. Its etiology is unknown, making treatment challenging. Several articles have suggested a link to migraine. Objective The objective of this article was to perform a systematic review and, if appropriate, a meta-analysis of the studies on the relationship between infant colic and migraine. Data sources Studies were identified by searching PubMed and ScienceDirect and by hand-searching references and conference proceedings. Study selection For the primary analysis, studies specifically designed to measure the association between colic and migraine were included. For the secondary analysis, studies that collected data on colic and migraine but were designed for another primary research question were also included. Data extraction Data were abstracted from the original studies, through communication with study authors, or both. Two authors independently abstracted data. Main outcomes and measures The main outcome measure was the association between infant colic and migraine using both a fixed-effects model and a more conservative random-effects model. Results Three studies were included in the primary analysis; the odds ratio for the association between migraine and infant colic was 6.5 (4.6–8.9, p < 0.001) for the fixed-effects model and 5.6 (3.3–9.5, p = 0.004) for the random-effects model. In a sensitivity analysis wherein the study with the largest effect size was removed, the odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI 1.7–7.6, p = 0.001) for both the fixed-effects model and random-effects model. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, infant colic was associated with increased odds of migraine. If infant colic is a migrainous disorder, this would have important implications for treatment. The main limitation of this meta-analysis was the relatively small number of studies included.

scholarly journals Association between smoking and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205031211774522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Akhavan Rezayat ◽  
Malihe Dadgar Moghadam ◽  
Mohammad Ghasemi Nour ◽  
Matin Shirazinia ◽  
Hamidreza Ghodsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background/aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. Some risk factors are known to influence the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but the effect of tobacco smoking on the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is controversial. The main goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the association between smoking and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Method: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) were searched to find published articles on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and smoking until December 2016. All relevant studies were screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria and compatible studies were chosen. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of eligible articles. Subsequently, information was gathered based on the following: author, publication year, keywords, country, inclusion and exclusion criteria, main results, study design, conclusion, and confounder variables (age, body mass index, gender, ethnicity, and diabetes). Finally, analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Results: Data were extracted from 20 observational studies (9 cross-sectional, 6 case-control, 4 cohort studies, and 1 retrospective cohort study). A significant association was observed between smoking and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a pooled odds ratio of 1.110 (95% confidence interval, 1.028–1.199), p-value = 0.008. The statistical heterogeneity was medium with an I2 of 40.012%, p-heterogeneity = 0.074. Also there was a significant relation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and passive smoking with a pooled odds ratio of 1.380 (95% confidence interval, 1.199–1.588; p-value = 0.001; I2 = 59.41; p-heterogeneity = 0.117). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that smoking is significantly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Further prospective studies exploring the underlying mechanisms of this association should be pursued. Also passive smoking increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease about 1.38-fold. The effects of smoking cigarettes on active smokers (current smoker, former smoker, and total smoker) are less than passive smokers. Further studies are needed to compare the of effects of passive and active smoking on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

scholarly journals A unique measles B3 cluster in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands linked to air travel and transit at a large international airport, February to April 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Nic Lochlainn ◽  
Sema Mandal ◽  
Rita de Sousa ◽  
Karthik Paranthaman ◽  
Rob van Binnendijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Virus Strain ◽  
Measles Virus ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
The Uk ◽  
In Transit

This report describes a joint measles outbreak investigation between public health officials in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands following detection of a measles cluster with a unique measles virus strain. From 1 February to 30 April 2014, 33 measles cases with a unique measles virus strain of genotype B3 were detected in the UK and the Netherlands, of which nine secondary cases were epidemiologically linked to an infectious measles case travelling from the Philippines. Through a combination of epidemiological investigation and sequence analysis, we found that measles transmission occurred in flight, airport and household settings. The secondary measles cases included airport workers, passengers in transit at the same airport or travelling on the same flight as the infectious case and also household contacts. This investigation highlighted the particular importance of measles genotyping in identifying transmission networks and the need to improve vaccination, public health follow-up and management of travellers and airport staff exposed to measles.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document