Measles eradication? Data suggest reaching goal will be a challenge

Article Abstract:

As many as 30,000 cases of measles occurred in the US in 1990, representing an increase of 50 percent over the previous year; 97 deaths were reported and up to one in five patients was hospitalized. This represents the highest death toll from measles since 1966, when 261 people died and 203,000 cases were reported. William Atkinson of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not attribute such cyclical variations to changes in the measles virus; in fact, the rate of new cases has been steadily declining during the first months of 1991. In addition, measles cases are concentrated in a few states (California, Texas, and Illinois), whose residents accounted for two-thirds of the 1990 cases. One significant trend is the increasing proportion of cases occurring in adults over 20; this proportion has increased from 6 percent of cases in the 1970s to 23 percent in 1990. Many people in this category were not vaccinated as children and were not exposed to the disease as they grew up. People in their twenties are more likely to develop measles during the current wave of cases; the disease rarely strikes those over 30. Another factor affecting the number of cases is the low vaccination rates of school-age children, only about half of whom are vaccinated. Atkinson stresses the importance of parental responsibility in this regard, and notes that the disease is more severe in inner-city populations. A particularly disturbing trend is the increase in age-specific death rates from measles; in 1990, the mortality climbed for all age groups. This may be partly due to the increased efforts by CDC to track down severe cases and deaths. Even in regions where reporting is generally reliable, it is difficult to trace every case; thus, the figures should be considered approximate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Demographic aspects, Measles, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Questions raised about measles vaccine trial

Article Abstract:

A trial of a new measles vaccine may have violated patient consent guidelines. The trial compared a new vaccine called the Edmonston-Zagreb (EZ) vaccine with the commonly used Moraten vaccine. It was begun in May 1990 during the worst measles outbreak in over 12 years. It was stopped in Oct 1991 when reports from Africa suggested the new vaccine increased mortality in those who received it. By then, 1,192 children had been vaccinated. Parents were never told that the vaccine was experimental and could have severe side effects. So far, no adverse reactions have been reported.

Children, Ethical aspects, Vaccination of children, Parental consent

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NHANES III health data relevant for aging nation

Article Abstract:

Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) for the first time provide extensive information about the health status of the elderly. NHANES III covered 40,000 US residents in 88 communities, of which 5,000 were 60 years or older. The survey found that physical disability increases with age but can be modified by factors such as education and social activities. Different ethnic groups have different incidences of disability and disease. Osteoporosis is a significant cause of disability in the elderly since bone density decreases with age.

Health aspects, Aged, Elderly, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Statistical work)

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