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A challenging modified measles outbreak in vaccinated healthcare providers
Omar Zmerli1,2, Amanda Chamieh1,2,3, Eliane Maasri4
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Background:
Modified measles is rarely reported and thought to be an attenuated, less transmissible form of measles. The occupational safety and management of previously immunized healthcare providers (HCP) facing the global reemergence of measles is controversial and unclear.Aim: We report a measles outbreak with an unusual presentation among our vaccinated HCP at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (SGHUMC) in Lebanon that occurred during a nationwide measles epidemic.
Methods:
We recorded cases at SGHUMC, a 333-bed tertiary-care center, from April 2018 to June 2018. We established a measles clinic for investigating all febrile patients. HCP exposure was linked to influx of index cases through our Emergency Department. Modified measles was defined as any variation in the classic presentation with a pinpoint/vesicular rash, documented exposure and evidence of prior immunity. We performed serology testing to diagnose and/or document immunity and implemented outbreak controls measures including PPE, airborne isolation, and mass notification.
Findings:
We diagnosed 8 inpatients with classic measles, and 9 affected HCP. We diagnosed 8 HCP with modified measles. One previously immunized HCP developed classic measles despite being immunized and having a positive IgG titer. Our contact tracing revealed a total of 96 exposed HCP with 27 HCP showing non-specific signs of viral illness. We required all the 9 affected HCP to undergo home isolation.
Conclusion:
We believe it is a top priority to achieve adequate measles immunity, especially among HCP that are at the frontline of healthcare systems. This necessitates revisiting vaccination schedules and achieving seroprotective titers to reclaim proper herd immunity.
Insights
Modified measles, a less common form, affected vaccinated healthcare providers (HCP) during an outbreak. This highlights the need for robust measles immunity in HCP to prevent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Modified measles, an attenuated form, is rarely documented.
- The management of measles in immunized healthcare providers (HCP) during outbreaks remains unclear.
- A measles outbreak with atypical presentations occurred among vaccinated HCP in Lebanon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual measles outbreak among vaccinated HCP.
- To describe the characteristics of modified measles in HCP.
- To inform strategies for measles prevention in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- A measles outbreak at a tertiary care center was investigated.
- A dedicated measles clinic was established for febrile patient evaluation.
- Modified measles was defined by atypical rash, exposure, and prior immunity; serology was used for diagnosis and immunity assessment.
Main Results:
- Eight inpatients and nine HCP were diagnosed with measles.
- Eight HCP presented with modified measles, including one vaccinated individual with classic measles despite positive IgG.
- Contact tracing identified 96 exposed HCP, with 27 showing non-specific viral symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Achieving adequate measles immunity, particularly in HCP, is a critical priority.
- Revisiting vaccination schedules and ensuring seroprotective titers are essential.
- Strengthening herd immunity is necessary to control measles transmission.
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