Recent report on measles elimination challenges
Published:
Towards elimination: measles susceptibility in Australia and 17 European countries
Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Volume 86, Number 3, March 2008, 161-240
As part of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2, 1996-2004), Ireland, together with 16 other European countries and Australia, collected blood samples from both males and females in all age groups in 2003. These blood samples were tested for measles antibodies (markers of protection against measles infection). Population susceptibility levels were compared to other European countries and Australia and the WHO European Region targets for measles elimination of < 15% in those aged 2-4 years, < 10% in 5-9-year-olds and < 5% in older age groups.
Based on this study, seven European countries, including Ireland, are deemed to be at risk of epidemics as a result of high susceptibility in children and in some cases, adults. Seven countries met or came very close to the elimination targets.
Although all participating countries, including Ireland, now implement a two-dose measles immunisation schedule, if the WHO European Region target of measles elimination by 2010 is to be achieved higher routine coverage as well as immunisation campaigns in some older age groups are needed in some countries. Without these improvements, continued measles transmission and outbreaks are expected in Europe.
In 2007, Ireland completed the National Measles Elimination Strategy (available at http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/Measles/Publications/. Key to the strategy is achieving at least 95% MMR uptake of two doses of MMR among children after the first birthday and again as 4-5 years of age. Additionally, recognizing that some older children are still susceptible to measles as a result of not receiving two doses of MMR, the HSE is planning a measles vaccination campaign for children 4-18 years of age. This strategy will be implemented between 2008 and 2010.
For more information on this study please see the publication Bulletin of the World Health Organization, March 2008 available at http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/3/en/
