International Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 19, Issue 4, 1990, Pages 1072-1077

Measles outbreaks in the mozambican refugee camps in malawi: The continued need for an effective vaccine (Article)

Porter J.D.H.* , Gastellu-etchegorry M. , Navarre I. , Lungu G. , Moren A.
  • a Epicentre, 8 Rue St Sabin, Paris 75005, France
  • b Medecins sans Frontières, Paris, France
  • c Medecins sans Frontières, Paris, France
  • d Ministry of Health, Malawi
  • e Epicentre, 8 Rue St Sabin, Paris 75005, France

Abstract

Between November 1988 and January 1989, measles outbreaks occurred in 11 Mozambican refugee camps in Malawi with five camps principally affected. A total of 1214 cases were reported. Despite the reduction of the age of measles vaccination to six months in 1987, attack rates were highest in children aged 6-9 months (10-26%); rates were also high in the 0-5 month age group (3-21%). The case-fatality rate was high among children less than five years old (15-21%). Children were being inappropriately vaccinated, either being vaccinated at less than six months of age (2-29%) or failing to receive a second dose if vaccinated at six months (0-25%). With vaccine coverage between 66-87%, vaccine efficacy in children less than five years old was estimated to be more than 90% in the camps principally affected. Reduction of the age of vaccination leads to logistical problems in vaccine delivery in refugee situations. These outbreaks again indicate the need to improve vaccine coverage with the existing Schwarz vaccine, and also highlight the urgent need for an effective single dose measles vaccine for children less than nine months of age. © 1990 International Epidemiological Association.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

refugee Mozambican refugees developing country Population Surveillance Developing Countries human Refugees priority journal male preschool child female Infant Mozambique refugee camp child health measles outbreak Disease Outbreaks Article vaccine efficacy infection control measles vaccine Age Factors vaccination measles Malawi
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0025573043&doi=10.1093%2fije%2f19.4.1072&partnerID=40&md5=433038a4987f974858d27dc58ba491d9
DOI: 10.1093/ije/19.4.1072
ISSN: 03005771
Cited by: 31
Original Language: English