Measles prophylaxis for international travel

Article Abstract:

A vaccine for measles has been available in the United States since 1963 and since then, a 98 to 99 percent reduction in the number of new cases reported annually has occurred. In contrast to this declining trend, during the first half of 1989 the number of reported cases rose. About 25 percent of all cases reported in 1988 were the result of individuals not being vaccinated; those not vaccinated are typically preschool-aged children. But primary vaccine failure is the major reason for cases of measles that occur in older children and young adults. Vaccination methods have changed in the last ten years and procedures developed since 1980 are the most effective in providing immunity. A significant source of measles infection is the importation of measles by foreign visitors or persons involved in international travel. Importation of measles accounted for 26 percent of the total number of cases reported in the last three years. It is estimated that half this number can be attributed to international travelers and the other half to visitors. Infants under the age of 16 months were most affected, accounting for 27 percent of these cases, and infections were distributed among other age groups as well. Half of all these cases were considered preventable. Full compliance with preventive measures would result in a 13 percent reduction, but most individuals do not seek medical advice prior to foreign travel, so this number is not realistic. In general, younger individuals should be specifically targeted for vaccination and it is suggested that travelers born in or after 1957 be revaccinated. Travelers to areas where measles is common should also be targeted for vaccinations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Status of immunity to tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio among U.S. travelers

Article Abstract:

To learn more about the levels of antibodies against diseases travelers are likely to encounter and for which effective vaccines exist, a survey was carried out of 233 travelers who visited two immunization centers. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against tetanus, poliovirus, measles, mumps, and rubella. Results showed that tetanus antibody was absent (indicating lack of protection against infection) from the blood of 22 patients (9 percent). Older subjects and women were more likely to lack this antibody than younger males. Twenty-eight patients (12 percent) tested negative for antibodies against some variants of polioviruses; all were protected against serotype 2. Ten people (4 percent) had no antibodies against measles; 19 (8 percent) lacked antibodies against rubella. The results indicate that deficits exist in travelers' protection against diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. Women and older people seem to be at particular risk. Travelers should obtain necessary boosters before they begin their journeys. Young adults (born in 1957 or later) may need revaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Rubella, Tetanus, Antibodies, Mumps

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Global eradication of poliomyelitis and measles: another quiet revolution

Article Abstract:

The eradication of poliomyelitis from the Americas by interrupting the chain of transmission through universal vaccination seems to have been accomplished. This experience has taught health officials how to better control or eliminate other infectious diseases such as measles, which kills one million children worldwide each year. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has targeted measles for elimination by the year 2000 by immunizing all children between the ages of one and 14. Various areas of the Caribbean have been free from measles for 3 to 5 years.

Editorial, Planning, Usage, Measles vaccine, Measles vaccines, Poliomyelitis vaccine, Poliovirus vaccines, Pan American Health Organization

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