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Decline in measles vaccination is causing a preventable global resurgence of the disease

A recent commentary warns of a preventable global resurgence of measles due to declining vaccination rates. Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can cause severe complications and death in vulnerable populations. Without renewed focus on measles vaccination efforts, the disease may rebound in full force.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 18, 2019

Study shows success of measles vaccine campaigns in India

A mass measles vaccination campaign in India saved an estimated 41,000 to 56,000 children's lives between 2010 and 2013, according to a study published in eLife. The campaigns significantly reduced child mortality rates in the affected districts, with mortality rates falling by 27% compared to non-campaign states.

SourceeLife·DateMar 5, 2019

Study on measles transmission in China have implications for controlling the epidemic worldwide

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School used a new model-inference system to estimate population susceptibility and demographical characteristics in three key locations in China. The study found that catch-up vaccination targeting migrant populations may be an efficient means of controlling current epidemics in big cities, wh...

Healthcare cuts 'strongly linked' to the resurgence of measles

A new study by Bocconi scholars links measles resurgence to public health expenditure cuts in Italy. The research found that each 1% reduction in per-capita real public health expenditure corresponds to a 0.5 percentage point decline in MMR vaccination coverage, highlighting the importance of investing in public health.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateSep 12, 2018

New studies demonstrate infection control strategies for measles and mumps outbreaks

Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps have demonstrated the importance of integrated infection prevention response. Studies show that standard patient and visitor messaging, active surveillance, and timely initiation of precautions can effectively control outbreaks. Vaccination rates were also critical in stemming the outbreak, with a ...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 13, 2018

Lab-on-a-chip delivers critical immunity data for vulnerable populations

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a portable, reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platform that can gauge immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases among vulnerable populations. The platform was validated at a refugee camp in Kenya and showed promising results in detecting measles and rubella.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 25, 2018

Incidence of measles in the United States

The overall annual incidence of measles in the United States remained low from 2001 to 2015, with most cases reported among unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that failure to vaccinate may be the main driver of measles transmission, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 3, 2017

Using satellite images to better target vaccination

Researchers used satellite imagery and vaccination records to estimate population size and optimize vaccination coverage. The study showed that timing vaccination campaigns with predictable population peaks can improve coverage, especially in areas with limited access to health services.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Simple intervention can moderate anti-vaccination beliefs, study finds

Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

How to convince vaccine skeptics -- and how not to

Researchers at UCLA and University of Illinois found that emphasizing the benefits of vaccination and taking a non-confrontational approach can increase support for vaccination among skeptical parents. A study with 315 adults showed that highlighting the dangers of measles and mumps can substantially increase support for vaccination.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Without security, there can be no health care

A recent review reports on the devastating effects of the Syrian conflict on the healthcare system, including outbreaks of poliomyelitis, measles, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically, hampering efforts to combat these epidemics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 13, 2014