Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Meeting measles elimination indicators: surveillance performance in a regional area of Australia
Julie Kohlhagen1, Peter Massey, David Durrheim
1Hunter New England Population Health, New South Wales, Australia .
Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region has established specific measles elimination surveillance indicators. There has been concern in Australia that these indicators may be too stringent and that measles elimination can occur without all surveillance prerequisites being met, in particular the minimum fever and rash clinician-suspected measles reporting rate with subsequent laboratory exclusion of measles. A regional public health unit in northern New South Wales, Australia, prompted local general practitioners to report fever and rash presentations that met the measles case definition or that they considered to be clinical measles. These notifications from July 2006 to June 2008 were reviewed to determine whether measles indicators for monitoring progress towards measles elimination could be achieved in Australia. Results confirmed that the surveillance indicators of ">2 reported suspected measles cases per 100 000 population," "at least 80% of suspected cases adequately investigated within 48 hours" and "greater than 80% of cases had adequate blood samples collected" could be met. Only half the cases had virology that would allow genotyping of measles virus. Special efforts to engage and convince Australian medical doctors about the public health value of reporting clinically suggestive measles cases and collecting confirmatory blood tests resulted in the current WHO Western Pacific Region indicators for progress towards measles elimination being met in a regional area of Australia.
Insights
Australia can meet World Health Organization (WHO) measles elimination surveillance indicators. Enhanced reporting and testing by general practitioners in New South Wales demonstrated feasibility for measles surveillance prerequisites.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region has defined measles elimination surveillance indicators.
- Concerns exist in Australia regarding the stringency of these indicators, particularly the fever and rash clinician-suspected measles reporting rate and laboratory exclusion criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if measles elimination surveillance indicators can be achieved in Australia.
- To assess the feasibility of meeting WHO surveillance prerequisites in a regional Australian setting.
Main Methods:
- A regional public health unit in New South Wales prompted general practitioners to report suspected measles cases (July 2006-June 2008).
- Notifications were reviewed to determine if key measles surveillance indicators were met.
- Focus on reporting rates, timely investigation, and adequate blood sample collection.
Main Results:
- Key indicators were met: >2 suspected measles cases per 100,000 population, ≥80% investigated within 48 hours, and >80% with adequate blood samples.
- Virology for measles virus genotyping was only available for half of the cases.
- Targeted engagement with medical doctors improved reporting and sample collection.
Conclusions:
- Measles elimination surveillance indicators set by the WHO Western Pacific Region can be achieved in a regional Australian area.
- Special efforts are crucial to engage healthcare providers in reporting and collecting necessary diagnostic samples for measles surveillance.
- While core indicators are met, further improvements in virological testing are needed for comprehensive measles surveillance.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
01:51Vaccinations
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence