Lessons from a system-wide response to a measles outbreak, Canterbury, February-April 2019

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• New Zealand maintains measles elimination status but faces ongoing risks from imported cases and suboptimal vaccination coverage.
• Vulnerable sub-populations contribute to a higher proportion of susceptible individuals, increasing outbreak potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the response to a 2019 measles outbreak in Canterbury, New Zealand.
• To identify key features of measles outbreak response within an elimination context.
• To inform strategies for preventing future measles outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• The study reviewed a measles outbreak in Canterbury from February to April 2019.
• It involved a whole-of-health-system response, including case and contact tracing.
• A prioritized vaccination campaign in primary care was implemented.

Main Results:

• The Canterbury outbreak involved 38 local cases, with the strain linked to an outbreak in the Philippines.
• The response required cross-system collaboration, coordinated communication, and resource prioritization.
• Support was provided to households affected by isolation and quarantine.

Conclusions:

• Effective measles outbreak response in elimination settings necessitates strong inter-system liaison and communication.
• Prioritizing resources and supporting affected households are crucial.
• Systematic, primary care-based MMR vaccination catch-up campaigns are essential for future outbreak prevention.