scholarly journals A national measles outbreak in Ireland linked to a single imported case, April to September, 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (31) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Barrett ◽  
Suzanne Cotter ◽  
Fiona Ryan ◽  
Jeff Connell ◽  
Anthony Cronin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Adult Case ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
First Time

Endemic measles transmission was interrupted for the first time in Ireland in 2015. In May 2016, a case of measles was confirmed in an adult who had travelled from Hungary to Ireland (index case). Cases subsequently arose in five of the eight public health regions around the country. There were 40 confirmed cases in Ireland between April and September 2016. All sequenced cases were genotype B3. Vaccination status was known for 34 cases, of whom 31 were unvaccinated. Median age was 8 years (range: 3 months to 40 years). Ten cases were nosocomial, and three cases were infected on separate international flights. One linked case occurred in a resident of Slovenia. Nineteen cases were hospitalised; median duration of hospitalisation was 5 days (range: 2–8 days). The primary case was a child who travelled from Romania to Ireland via Budapest, and infected the index adult case on the same flight. This was the first reported outbreak of measles genotype B3 in Ireland. This outbreak demonstrated that Ireland remains at risk of measles outbreaks due to persistent suboptimal vaccination rates.

scholarly journals Public health practitioner perspectives on dealing with measles outbreaks if high anti-vaccination sentiment is present

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Robinson ◽  
Kerrie Wiley ◽  
Chris Degeling
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
High Level ◽  
Measles Outbreaks

Abstract Background Communities with low vaccination rates are at greater risk during outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Most Australian parents support vaccines, but some refuse and are often judged harshly by their community, especially during an outbreak. We sought the perspectives of Australian public health experts on the key issues faced when managing a measles outbreak in an area with high anti-vaccination sentiment. Methods A measles outbreak scenario formed the basis of a 3-round modified Delphi process to identify key practitioner concerns in relation to parents/carers who don’t follow the recommended vaccination schedule. We surveyed a range of professionals in the field: policymakers, infectious disease experts, immunisation program staff, and others involved in delivering childhood vaccinations, to identify key priorities when responding to an outbreak in a community with low vaccination coverage. Results Findings indicate that responses to measles outbreaks in communities with high anti-vaccination sentiment are motivated by concerns about the potential for a much larger outbreak event. The highest operational priority is to isolate infected children. The two most highly ranked practical issues are mistrust from non-vaccinating members of the local region and combatting misinformation about vaccines. Trying to change minds of such individuals is not a priority during an outbreak, nor is vaccinating their children. Using media and social media to provide information about the outbreak and measures the public can take to limit the spread of the disease was a focus. Conclusions Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced during an outbreak and priorities for communicating with communities where there is a high level of anti-vaccination sentiment. In the context of a global pandemic, the results of this study also have implications for managing public health responses to community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, as COVID-19 vaccines becomes widely available.

scholarly journals Public Health Practitioner Perspectives on Dealing with Measles Outbreaks in Areas with high Anti-vaccination Sentiment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Robinson ◽  
Kerrie Wiley ◽  
Chris Degeling
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
High Level ◽  
Measles Outbreaks

Abstract BackgroundCommunities with low vaccination rates are at greater risk during outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Most Australian parents support vaccines, but some refuse and are often judged harshly by their community, especially during an outbreak. We sought the perspectives of Australian public health experts on the key issues faced when managing a measles outbreak in an area with high anti-vaccination sentiment.MethodsA measles outbreak scenario formed the basis of a 3-round modified Delphi process to identify key practitioner concerns in relation to parents/carers who don’t follow the recommended vaccination schedule. We surveyed a range of professionals in the field: policymakers, infectious disease experts, immunisation program staff, and others involved in delivering childhood vaccinations, to identify key priorities when responding to an outbreak in a community with low vaccination coverage.ResultsFindings indicate that responses to measles outbreaks in communities with high anti-vaccination sentiment are motivated by concerns about the potential for a much larger outbreak event. The highest operational priority is to isolate infected children. The two most highly ranked practical issues are mistrust from non-vaccinating members of the local region and combatting misinformation about vaccines. Trying to change minds of such individuals is not a priority during an outbreak, nor is vaccinating their children. Using media and social media to provide information about the outbreak and measures the public can take to limit the spread of the disease was a focus.ConclusionsOur findings provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced during an outbreak and priorities for communicating with communities where there is a high level of anti-vaccination sentiment. In the context of a global pandemic, the results of this study also have implications for managing public health responses to community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, if and when a safe and effective vaccine becomes widely available.

scholarly journals Effective control measures limited measles outbreak after extensive nosocomial exposures in January-February 2008 in Gothenburg, Sweden

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (30) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Follin ◽  
L Dotevall ◽  
M Jertborn ◽  
Y Khalid ◽  
J Å Liljeqvist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
Rubella Vaccination ◽  
And Control

In January-February 2008, one imported case of measles initiated a series of exposures with around 380 nosocomial secondary contacts. Susceptible individuals were traced early and control measures were initiated that managed to limit the consequences considerably. Only four secondary cases were identified by the end of March. This minor outbreak illustrates the importance and efficiency of early control measures as well as the fact that the risk of measles outbreaks still exists in a country that has high measles, mumps, rubella vaccination coverage among children.

A US metropolitan county health department’s response to a measles outbreak in a childcare facility – challenges faced and lessons learned

2020 ◽  
pp. 175791392095520
Author(s):  
Diane Meyer ◽  
Marc Trotochaud ◽  
Lisa Ferguson ◽  
Jennifer Vines ◽  
Russell Barlow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Public Health Community ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Childcare Facility ◽  
Measles Outbreaks

Aims: In June 2018, the Multnomah County Health Department located in Portland, Oregon, US, responded to a measles exposure in a local childcare facility. This analysis describes lessons learned and challenges encountered during this measles response that may inform public health policy and help other local public health authorities prepare for measles outbreaks. These lessons will become increasingly important as measles cases continue to increase in both the US and abroad. Methods: A semi-structured videoconference interview was conducted with nine health department staff who were directly involved in the health department’s response to the measles outbreak. Interview notes were iteratively discussed between all authors to identify those outbreak response challenges and lessons learned that were generalizable to the broader public health community. Results: Some of the key challenges and lessons learned included the need for increased provider recognition and reporting of measles cases, difficulty in determining which staff and children to exclude from attending daycare during the 21-day postexposure monitoring period, determining who would be prioritized to receive immunoglobulin, and the need for childcare staff vaccine status requirements. Conclusion: Lessons from this response highlight important considerations for public health practitioners and policy makers. Given the relative severity of measles and the potential for spread in facilities that serve infants and young children, the public health community must continue to address key gaps through planning and policy.

scholarly journals An ongoing measles outbreak in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2014 to 2015

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hukic ◽  
J Ravlija ◽  
S Karakas ◽  
M Mulaomerovic ◽  
A Dedeic Ljubovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Measles Outbreak

Between January 2014 and the beginning of February 2015, the Federal Institute of Public Health in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has reported 3,804 measles cases. Notable transmission has been observed in three Central Bosnia Canton municipalities: Bugojno, Fojnica and Travnik. Most cases were unvaccinated 2,680 (70%) or of unknown vaccination status 755 (20%). Health authorities have been checking vaccination records and performing necessary prevention measures. The epidemic is still ongoing.

scholarly journals Family cluster of three cases of monkeypox imported from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, May 2021

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Hobson ◽  
James Adamson ◽  
Hugh Adler ◽  
Richard Firth ◽  
Susan Gould ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Index Case ◽  
West African ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Health Response ◽  
The Family

Most reported cases of human monkeypox occur in Central and West Africa, where the causing virus is endemic. We describe the identification and public health response to an imported case of West African monkeypox from Nigeria to the United Kingdom (UK) in May 2021. Secondary transmission from the index case occurred within the family to another adult and a toddler. Concurrent COVID-19-related control measures upon arrival and at the hospital, facilitated detection and limited the number of potential contacts.

The end of religious exemptions from immunisation requirements?

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-117
Author(s):  
Gregory L Bock
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Religious Liberty ◽  
The Other ◽  
Middle Ground ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Measles Vaccination ◽  
The One ◽  
Measles Outbreaks

The purpose of this paper is to propose a middle ground in the debate over religious exemptions from measles vaccination requirements. It attempts to strike a balance between public health concerns on the one hand and religious objections on the other that avoids two equally serious errors: (1) making religious liberty an absolute and (2) disregarding religious beliefs altogether. Some think that the issue is straightforward: science has spoken and the benefits to public health outweigh any other concerns. The safety of the community, they say, demands that everybody be vaccinated so that measles outbreaks can be prevented, but such voices often ignore the freedom of religion, which is a mistake. Using Martha Nussbaum’s work on religious liberty, this paper claims that the exemptions should be preserved if a certain level of vaccination rates can be maintained.

scholarly journals First Local Transmission Cluster of COVID-19 in Malaysia: Public Health Response

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-130
Author(s):  
Noor Ani Ahmad ◽  
Chong Zhuo Lin ◽  
Sunita Abd Rahman ◽  
Muhammad Haikal bin Ghazali ◽  
Ezy Eriyani Nadzari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
Health Response ◽  
History Of ◽  
Local Transmission ◽  
Close Contacts ◽  
Inter State

Introduction: Rapid public health response is important in controlling the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we described the public health response taken by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia in managing the first local transmission cluster of COVID-19 related to mass-gathering and inter-state traveling to celebrate a festival. Methods: We summarized strategies implemented by the Malaysia Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) in managing the first local transmission of COVID-19. We collected information related to the epidemiological investigation of this cluster and described the inter-state network in managing the outbreak. Results: This first local transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia had a history of contact with her older brother, the index case, who was the first Malaysian imported case. Only two positive cases were detected out of 59 contacts traced from the index case. Close contacts with infected person/s, inter-state movement, and public/family gatherings were identified as the sources of transmission. A large number of contacts were traced from inter-state traveling, and family gatherings during the festive season, and health consultations and treatment. Conclusion: Close contacts from inter-state movement and public/family gatherings were identified as the source of transmission. Family or public gatherings during festivals or religious events should be prohibited or controlled in COVID-19 prevalent areas. A structured surveillance system with rapid contact tracing is significant in controlling the transmission of COVID-19 in the community.

scholarly journals Imported case of measles in a university setting leading to an outbreak of measles in Edinburgh, Scotland from September to December 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (6) ◽  
pp. 741-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kirolos ◽  
C. Waugh ◽  
K. Templeton ◽  
D. McCormick ◽  
R. Othieno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
University Student ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Imported Cases ◽  
Mobile Population ◽  
Measles Outbreaks

AbstractIn September 2016, an imported case of measles in Edinburgh in a university student resulted in a further 17 confirmed cases during October and November 2016. All cases were genotype D8 and were associated with a virus strain most commonly seen in South East Asia. Twelve of the 18 cases were staff or students at a university in Edinburgh and 17 cases had incomplete or unknown measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccination status. The public health response included mass follow-up of all identified contacts, widespread communications throughout universities in Edinburgh and prompt vaccination clinics at affected campuses. Imported cases of measles pose a significant risk to university student cohorts who may be undervaccinated, include a large number of international students and have a highly mobile population. Public health departments should work closely with universities to promote MMR uptake and put in place mass vaccination plans to prevent rapidly spreading measles outbreaks in higher educational settings in future.

scholarly journals Spotlight on measles 2010: Ongoing measles outbreak in Northern Ireland following an imported case, September-October 2010

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (43) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Smithson ◽  
N Irvine ◽  
C Hutton ◽  
L Doherty ◽  
A Watt
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
History Of

We report an ongoing outbreak of measles with five laboratory-confirmed and four epidemiologically linked cases in Northern Ireland as at 26 October 2010. The index case was an unvaccinated non-Northern Ireland resident with subsequent genotyping suggesting that infection originated in the usual country of residence of this case. Confirmed cases include one patient with a history of two measles-mumps-rubella vaccine doses.

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