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Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
Published on: March 1, 2024
Measles among healthcare workers: a potential for nosocomial outbreaks
E Botelho-Nevers1, N Cassir, P Minodier
1Pôle de Maladies Infectieuses, IFR 48, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, France.
Abstract:
We report here 14 cases of measles among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Public Hospitals of Marseilles, France that occurred between April and November 2010. All cases but one were under 30 years of age. Following the identification of these cases, we checked the immune status among 154 HCWs who volunteered to take part in the study and showed that 93% and 88% were immune against measles and mumps respectively. HCWs non-immunised against measles were all under 30 years of age.
Insights
Fourteen measles cases occurred in French healthcare workers (HCWs) under 30. Subsequent immunity checks revealed high measles and mumps immunity (93%, 88%) in volunteers, with unvaccinated individuals also under 30.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles outbreaks can impact healthcare settings, posing risks to vulnerable populations.
- Healthcare workers (HCWs) are crucial for patient care and maintaining herd immunity.
- Understanding measles transmission and immunity within HCW populations is vital for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate measles cases among HCWs in Marseilles.
- To assess the measles and mumps immunity status of HCWs.
- To identify potential gaps in vaccination coverage among HCWs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of measles infections in HCWs.
- Voluntary serological testing for measles and mumps immunity in a cohort of HCWs.
- Analysis of age distribution and vaccination status.
Main Results:
- 14 measles cases were identified among HCWs between April and November 2010.
- The majority of infected HCWs (all but one) were under 30 years of age.
- Immunity screening showed 93% measles and 88% mumps immunity in 154 HCW volunteers, with unvaccinated individuals concentrated in the under-30 age group.
Conclusions:
- Measles poses a risk to younger HCWs, highlighting the need for robust vaccination strategies.
- High overall immunity suggests successful vaccination programs but identifies a specific at-risk demographic.
- Targeted vaccination or revaccination campaigns for younger HCWs may be necessary to prevent future outbreaks.
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