Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

Estimation of the basic reproduction number of measles during an outbreak in a partially vaccinated population

J Mossong1, C P Muller

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.

Epidemiology and Infection
|May 17, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A 1996 measles outbreak in Luxembourg highlighted the critical need for high vaccination coverage. To prevent major outbreaks, especially in schools, vaccination rates must exceed 90%.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Immunization

Background:

  • Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health risk, particularly in school settings.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics and vaccine effectiveness is crucial for outbreak control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze a measles outbreak in northern Luxembourg from March to July 1996.
  • To estimate vaccine coverage, vaccine efficacy, and the basic reproduction number (R0) during the outbreak.
  • To determine the minimum vaccination coverage required to prevent major measles outbreaks in school environments.

Main Methods:

  • Serological confirmation of suspected measles cases.
  • Questionnaire-based surveys to estimate vaccine coverage in primary schools.
  • Calculation of vaccine efficacy and basic reproduction number (R0) using outbreak data and survey results.

Main Results:

  • 110 measles cases were reported, primarily linked to two primary schools.
  • Estimated vaccine coverage was 70% and 76% in the affected schools.
  • Vaccine efficacy was calculated at 94.6%, with estimated R0 values of 7.7 and 6.2.
  • Minimal vaccination coverage required to prevent major outbreaks was estimated between 88.3% and 91.6%.

Conclusions:

  • High vaccination coverage, exceeding 90%, is essential for preventing major measles outbreaks in school settings.
  • The study reinforces the importance of robust immunization programs to maintain community immunity.
  • Effective measles control relies on achieving and sustaining high vaccine uptake rates.

More Related Videos

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

In Vitro ELISA Test to Evaluate Rabies Vaccine Potency09:04

In Vitro ELISA Test to Evaluate Rabies Vaccine Potency

Published on: May 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Relative Risk01:12

Relative Risk

Relative risk (RR) is a statistical measure commonly used in epidemiology to compare the likelihood of a particular event occurring between two groups. This metric is important for evaluating the relationship between exposure to a specific risk factor and the probability of a particular outcome. It plays a crucial role in medical research, public health studies, and risk assessment. Relative risk quantifies how much more (or less) likely an event is to occur in an exposed group compared to an...
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.