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Enhanced Rabies Surveillance Using a Direct Rapid Immunohistochemical Test
Published on: April 30, 2019
Age limit does not replace serologic testing for determination of immune status for measles
Ilker Uckay1, Stephane Hugonnet, Laurent Kaiser
1Infection Control Program, University of Geneva Hospitals, 24 Rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 13, 2007
Summary
Adults over 40 can still contract measles, even healthcare workers. Mass screening during an outbreak found many adults lacking measles immunity, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in all age groups.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles outbreaks can affect all adult age groups, not just children.
- Healthcare settings are potential sites for measles transmission.
- Adult immunity to measles may wane over time or be incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess measles immunity in adults over 40 during an outbreak.
- To identify the prevalence of measles seronegativity in a hospital population.
- To understand the risk of measles transmission in healthcare environments.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a hospital-wide measles screening program.
- Tested 2,600 individuals for measles antibodies (seronegativity).
- Analyzed seronegative results by age, focusing on individuals over 40.
Main Results:
- 117 out of 2,600 individuals (4.5%) tested seronegative for measles.
- 31 of the seronegative individuals (26.1%) were over 40 years old.
- The outbreak involved healthcare workers, indicating potential occupational risk.
Conclusions:
- Adults over 40 represent a significant proportion of susceptible individuals during measles outbreaks.
- Healthcare workers are at risk, emphasizing the need for robust vaccination and screening protocols.
- Continued surveillance and vaccination strategies are crucial for measles prevention in all adult populations.
