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[Consequences of an unsufficient range of immunity in "pediatric" infectious diseases--example with measles]

I Uçkay1, H Sax, S Hugonnet

  • 1Service de Prévention et Contrôle de l'Infection, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève. ilker.uckay@hcuge.ch

Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|November 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

An unusual measles outbreak in Geneva affected adults, including healthcare workers, highlighting low adult vaccination rates. Insufficient herd immunity in Switzerland fuels preventable epidemics and health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • A measles outbreak occurred in Geneva, Switzerland, from January to February 2005, with 15 reported cases.
  • The affected individuals were predominantly adults (17-44 years), an unusual demographic for measles.
  • Four cases involved healthcare workers infected within a hospital setting.

Purpose:

  • To report an unusual measles outbreak in adults in Geneva.
  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing measles in adults.
  • To underscore the impact of low vaccination rates on public health.

Summary:

  • The outbreak involved 15 adults, including four healthcare workers, infected by a single patient in an emergency room.
  • Adult measles cases were difficult to diagnose due to the misconception that it is a pediatric disease.
  • Despite vaccination policies and recommendations, low voluntary vaccination uptake in Switzerland contributed to the epidemic.

Impact:

  • The outbreak demonstrated that insufficient herd immunity in Switzerland poses a risk for healthcare-associated infections and economic damage from sporadic epidemics.
  • Low adult vaccination rates hinder the achievement of World Health Organization and national public health goals.
  • This event emphasizes the need for improved adult vaccination strategies to prevent future measles outbreaks.

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