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Published on: November 1, 2011

Measles mortality and vaccine efficacy in rural West Africa

H F Hull, P J Williams, F Oldfield

    Lancet (London, England)
    |April 30, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Measles vaccination significantly reduces disease attack rates and mortality in young children. Vaccine efficacy is higher when measles vaccination is administered at 9 months or older, highlighting the importance of timely immunization.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Public Health
    • Vaccinology

    Background:

    • Measles poses a significant mortality risk in unvaccinated African populations.
    • Understanding measles vaccine efficacy and impact on mortality is crucial for public health interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine measles mortality and vaccine efficacy during outbreaks in Gambian villages.
    • To assess the impact of measles vaccination on disease attack rates and case fatality.

    Main Methods:

    • Conducted a study during measles outbreaks in three Gambian villages.
    • Monitored 1073 children younger than 11 years, recording measles cases and vaccination status.
    • Calculated attack rates, vaccine efficacy, and case-fatality rates based on age and vaccination status.

    Main Results:

    • Measles attack rate was 43% in unvaccinated children (9-47 months) versus 6% in vaccinated children.
    • Vaccine efficacy was 37% for vaccination at 6-8 months and 89% for vaccination at 9+ months.
    • Case-fatality rates were highest in infants under 1 year (64%) and significantly lower in non-measles cases (1%).

    Conclusions:

    • Measles vaccination is highly effective in reducing measles incidence and mortality.
    • Optimal measles vaccine efficacy is achieved when administered at 9 months or older.
    • Measles remains a critical cause of mortality, particularly in unvaccinated young children in African populations.

    Keywords:
    AfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaAge FactorsChild MortalityDelivery Of Health CareDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEnglish Speaking AfricaEvaluationGambiaHealthHealth ServicesImmunizationIncidenceMaternal-child Health ServicesMeasurementMorbidityMortalityPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation DynamicsPrimary Health CareResearch MethodologyRural PopulationVaccinationWestern Africa

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