Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Measuring Attachment and Internalization of Influenza A Virus in A549 Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: November 4, 2015
[Contribution of unvaccinated siblings to a measles outbreak in Switzerland]
E Delaporte1, C-A Wyler-Lazarevic, J-L Richard
1Direction générale de la santé, Département de l'action sociale et de la santé, Avenue de Beau-Séjour 22, case postale 166, CH-1211 Genève 4, Suisse. elisabeth.delaporte@etat.ge.ch
Background:
A measles outbreak occurred in Geneva between March and July 2003. An investigation was conducted to determine its magnitude, identify predominant modes of transmission, and assess disease outcome.
Methods:
In Switzerland, measles notification has been mandatory for physicians since 1999 and laboratories since 1988. All cases were investigated and followed up by interviewing physicians using a standardized questionnaire. Viral genotype was determined for 4 cases using a saliva specimen processed at the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin. Geographic distribution of cases and vaccination coverage were compared.
Results:
Overall, 54 cases were notified. Fifty-three cases were between 10 and 19 years of age. Ninety-four percent (n = 46) of 49 cases with known vaccination status were not vaccinated and none were fully immunized (2 doses). Measles complications occurred among 19% (n = 7) of the 36 patients with follow up information: pneumonia (n = 4, combined with pericarditis and hepatitis in one case) and bronchitis (n = 3). Three persons were hospitalized. No complication was reported among 3 persons partially vaccinated (1 dose). The virus belonged to genotypes D8 and D5. Five separate clusters of related cases included 74% of all cases. Transmission mainly occurred within families (43% of all cases) and school (28%). Two of the most affected areas had measles vaccination coverage well below the cantonal average.
Conclusion:
Low vaccination coverage combined with clusters of unvaccinated household contributed to continued virus circulation and represents a threat to the canton of Geneva as new outbreaks of measles may reoccur.
Insights
Low measles vaccination coverage in Geneva fueled a 2003 outbreak, primarily affecting unvaccinated adolescents. This highlights the ongoing threat of measles transmission due to insufficient immunization rates.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Context:
- A measles outbreak occurred in Geneva, Switzerland, between March and July 2003.
- Measles notification has been mandatory in Switzerland since 1999.
Purpose:
- To determine the magnitude of the measles outbreak.
- To identify predominant transmission modes.
- To assess disease outcomes.
Summary:
- 54 measles cases were reported, predominantly in unvaccinated adolescents (10-19 years).
- Transmission occurred mainly within families and schools, with viral genotypes D8 and D5 identified.
- Complications included pneumonia and bronchitis, with 19% of patients experiencing adverse outcomes.
Impact:
- Low vaccination coverage and unvaccinated household clusters contributed to sustained measles virus circulation.
- The outbreak underscores the threat of reoccurring measles epidemics in Geneva.
- Public health strategies must address low immunization rates to prevent future outbreaks.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
00:42Cross-reactivity
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
01:24Smallpox
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...