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Measles (rubeola) infection in a hospital setting
N M Watkins1, R P Smith, D L St Germain
1Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH.
Abstract:
Although acquisition of measles infection in medical facilities is well documented, hospital outbreaks have been rare. During a recent community measles epidemic, one patient and four employees of the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital developed the disease. Two of the employees were born before 1956, the year recommended by the Centers for Disease Control as an appropriate cutoff year for routine measles vaccination. Screening of 456 hospital employees for measles immunity demonstrated a 5% incidence of susceptibility in 135 individuals born between 1950 and 1956. This experience demonstrates the significant potential for the spread of a community measles outbreak into the hospital setting. Because of the high transmissibility of this disease and its potentially serious consequences in hospitalized patients, we suggest that all hospital employees born after 1950 who have significant patient contact should have documented immunity against measles.
Insights
Hospital measles outbreaks are rare but can occur. A study found 5% of staff born 1950-1956 lacked measles immunity, highlighting the need for vaccination in healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- Measles outbreaks in medical facilities are uncommon, but pose a significant risk.
- A recent community measles epidemic led to infections within a hospital setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess measles immunity among hospital employees during a community outbreak.
- To evaluate the risk of measles transmission within a hospital environment.
Main Methods:
- One patient and four employees contracted measles during a community epidemic.
- Immunity screening was conducted on 456 hospital employees.
- Focus was placed on individuals born between 1950 and 1956.
Main Results:
- Five measles cases (one patient, four employees) were identified.
- 5% of employees born between 1950 and 1956 were susceptible to measles.
- This indicates a vulnerability to measles spread within the hospital.
Conclusions:
- Hospitals are at risk of measles outbreaks during community epidemics.
- Healthcare personnel born after 1950 with patient contact should have documented measles immunity.
- Vaccination policies are crucial for preventing nosocomial measles transmission.