Measles in a west African nomadic community

A serological survey was conducted among Tuareg nomads to determine their level of immunity to measles. More than half (57.9%) of the children under 10 years of age did not have detectable antibodies to measles, suggesting that transmission of the disease is low in this mobile population. Mothers' reports of their children's history of measles were accurate (positive predictive value 93.9% for under-5-year-olds). Nomads are a reservoir of susceptible individuals who require immunization strategies adapted to their particular life-styles. These can be implemented at relatively low cost.