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Measles Outbreak in a Child Care Center, Cook County, Illinois, 2015

Whitney J Clegg1,2, Purisima C Linchangco3, M Allison Arwady1

  • 1Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago.

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|March 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

An infant measles outbreak at a child care center highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated infants. Early measles diagnosis and high vaccination rates among childcare staff are crucial for preventing spread.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease Control

Background:

  • A measles outbreak occurred in January-February 2015 in Cook County, primarily affecting infants too young for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
  • The outbreak was centered at a child care facility, emphasizing the risk to vulnerable populations in group settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transmission dynamics of a measles outbreak in a child care center.
  • To identify key factors contributing to the outbreak's spread and inform public health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Public health officials investigated measles cases and contacts, implementing isolation and monitoring protocols.
  • Exposed individuals, including childcare staff and healthcare workers, required proof of measles immunity for work.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was administered to susceptible contacts, and active monitoring was conducted for 21 days.

Main Results:

  • Fifteen measles cases were confirmed, with 12 (80%) occurring in infants attending the child care center.
  • A misdiagnosis allowed transmission within the center, infecting 12 of 14 exposed infants; no other attendees or staff were infected.
  • Exposed infants visited outpatient clinics, potentially exposing 33 other infants; no healthcare-associated transmission was documented.

Conclusions:

  • Infants are highly vulnerable to measles, necessitating early consideration of the disease in febrile rash illnesses.
  • The outbreak stresses the importance of robust vaccination policies for childcare staff and healthcare workers.
  • Maintaining high immunity levels in populations working with infants is critical for preventing outbreaks.
Abstract

Keywords:
child care centerimmunizationsinfantsmeaslesoutbreak

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