French 2010-2011 measles outbreak in adults: report from a Parisian teaching hospital

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in adult populations where clinical presentation and outcomes can vary.
• Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of measles in adults is crucial for effective outbreak management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of adult measles cases during the 2010-2011 French outbreak.
• To assess the tolerance and long-term protective effects of natural measles immunity in adults.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 80 adult measles cases treated at a Parisian hospital during the 2010-2011 outbreak.
• Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, complications, hospitalization details, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Fifty percent of adult measles cases experienced at least one complication, with pneumonia and hepatitis being most frequent.
• Forty percent of hospitalized patients had no complications, indicating variable clinical tolerance in adults.
• All cases had a favorable outcome, and patients tended to be younger, French nationals with higher socio-economic status.

Conclusions:

• Measles in adults can present with significant complications, highlighting the need for vigilance even in vaccinated populations or during outbreaks.
• The favorable outcomes observed suggest that natural measles infection, particularly in endemic areas, may confer robust long-term immunity.
• This study underscores the importance of continued measles surveillance and vaccination efforts to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.