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Outbreak of measles and rubella in refugee transit camps

I K Kouadio1, A K Koffi, H Attoh-Toure

  • 1Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

Epidemiology and Infection
|April 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Concurrent measles and rubella outbreaks in Liberian refugee camps highlighted diagnostic challenges. Testing for both measles and rubella IgM antibodies is crucial for accurate diagnosis in outbreak settings.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Concurrent outbreaks of measles and rubella occurred in Liberian refugee camps in Côte d'Ivoire in 2004.
  • Sixty cases of rash and fever were identified among 2767 refugees.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate concurrent measles and rubella outbreaks in a refugee population.
  • To assess the diagnostic utility of testing for both measles and rubella IgM antibodies during outbreaks.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of rash and fever cases in refugee camps.
  • Serological testing for measles and rubella IgM antibodies.
  • Calculation of incidence rates by age group.
  • Description of vaccination campaigns.

Main Results:

  • Measles IgM testing was positive in 61.1% of cases during weeks 8-13, with the highest incidence in children under 9 months (18.5%).
  • Despite measles vaccination, rash and fever cases continued, prompting rubella IgM testing.
  • Rubella IgM testing revealed 74.0% positive cases between weeks 11-21, with the highest incidence in children aged 5-15 years (3.88%).
  • Supplemental immunization with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine was conducted.

Conclusions:

  • Outbreaks of rash and fever in refugee settings may involve multiple viral agents, including measles and rubella.
  • Simultaneous testing for both measles and rubella IgM antibodies is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective outbreak response.
  • Vaccination strategies must consider the potential for concurrent outbreaks and the need for broad-spectrum immunization.

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