WHO GETS MEASLES IN EUROPE?

Monday, 30th of September 2013

[source]Journal of Infectious Diseases[|source]

In this article, Muscat argues that measles outbreaks are picking out pockets of unimmunized children in Europe. The role of nosocomial transmission of measles is also discussed. The article picks out several causes of un or under vaccination as varied and ranging from lack of information to poor access to health care. Concludes by urging national programs to conduct special studies, particularly to discover any special characteristics, changing attitudes, and awareness towards vaccination. Use such special reports to identify risk factors, groups and in turn who gets measles for targeted interventions to raise coverage. More details are available at:  http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/204/suppl_1/S353.long

 

Abstract

Background:  Measles outbreaks continue to occur in Europe as a result of suboptimum vaccination coverage. This article aims to describe individuals susceptible to measles, and provide an overview of affected groups and the public settings in which measles transmission occurred in Europe in 2005–2009.

Methods:  Individuals susceptible to measles were described and categorized on the basis of factors leading to non vaccination and vaccine failure. A literature search was conducted to identify affected groups and public settings in which measles transmission occurred.

Results:  Most individuals susceptible to measles are previously uninfected and unvaccinated. The reasons for non vaccination in individuals eligible for vaccination ranged from lack of information to poor access to health care. Several outbreaks have emerged in Roma and Sinti, Traveller, anthroposophic, and ultra-orthodox Jewish communities, and immigrants identifying them as being particularly at risk. Public settings for transmission included mostly educational and health care facilities.

Conclusions:  Improved efforts are needed to strengthen immunization programs, identify barriers for measles-containing vaccine uptake, and explore methods to target vulnerable populations that are not being reached with routine immunization delivery services. Specific measures are needed to prevent and control measles in educational and health care facilities. Failure to identify who gets measles and implement the elimination strategies raises concerns for the successful and sustainable elimination of measles in Europe.