Measles outbreak among school-aged children--Juneau, Alaska, 1996

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    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |September 13, 1996
    PubMed

    Insights

    A measles outbreak in Juneau, Alaska, affected school-aged children despite high measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage. The investigation revealed ongoing measles transmission within schools, highlighting challenges in achieving herd immunity.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Public Health
    • Infectious Disease Control

    Background:

    • Measles outbreaks can occur even with high vaccination rates.
    • School-aged children are a vulnerable population for infectious disease transmission.
    • Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective public health interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate a measles outbreak in Juneau, Alaska, during 1996.
    • To identify the extent of measles transmission among school-aged children.
    • To evaluate the impact of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage on outbreak dynamics.

    Main Methods:

    • Conducted an epidemiologic investigation of confirmed measles cases.
    • Collected serological data and performed virus cultures for confirmation.
    • Analyzed case demographics, focusing on school-aged children (6-18 years).

    Main Results:

    • 63 confirmed measles cases occurred between February 16 and April 25, 1996.
    • 41 cases (65%) were among school-aged children.
    • Evidence indicated measles transmission within schools despite high one-dose MCV coverage.

    Conclusions:

    • Measles transmission can persist in schools even with substantial vaccination rates.
    • High coverage of one dose of MCV may not be sufficient to prevent school-based outbreaks.
    • Further strategies are needed to enhance measles control and prevention in school settings.

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