Experts argue that compulsory vaccination can increase uptake, but others recommend improving services and infrastructure instead. The UK's measles vaccination rate is currently below the required 95% for herd immunity.
Researchers developed a statistical method to predict disease reemergence, particularly for preventable childhood infections like measles and pertussis. The model analyzes subtle changes in reported cases to identify early warning signals for emerging diseases.
Researchers warn that current vaccination policies may not be enough to prevent measles resurgence in seven high-income countries. The study suggests that countries like the UK, Ireland, and US would benefit from compulsory vaccination at school entry to achieve stable herd immunity levels.
Researchers used a model of measles transmission to predict the impact of vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Conducting vaccination campaigns between May and October reduced estimated infections by 400,000 compared to January campaigns.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University have identified 25 US counties at high risk for measles outbreaks. The analysis considered international travel and vaccination rates, predicting over 1,000 cases in the US this year.
Researchers identify predictable changes in global measles dynamics, enabling tailored vaccination and public health programs. Countries along the 'canonical path' experience declining disease incidence with increasing yearly variability, guiding informed control efforts.
A new analysis predicts top 25 US counties at risk for measles outbreaks in 2019, considering non-medical exemptions, international air travel, and population data. The study identifies regions with low vaccination rates and high passenger inflow from affected countries as areas of high risk.
A new model maps a country's progress towards measles elimination onto a 'canonical path,' which helps tailor vaccination efforts. The path reflects birth rate and vaccination coverage, guiding countries to adapt their control efforts as they progress towards elimination.
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.
Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.
Research reveals that vaccines may be less effective at higher pathogen doses and when individuals have similar susceptibility, such as younger or malnourished populations. Mathematical modeling simulations validated these findings with real-world data from nearly 6,000 articles.
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.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.
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...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have created a more efficient method for reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells, reducing the process from four factors to one. The new system combines genetic cocktails into a single measles virus vector, making it faster and safer for clinical translation.
Vaccines have been proven to be safe and beneficial for society, but misconceptions persist. The World Health Organization requires vaccination checks during medical encounters, but many cases are missed. Digital tools like VaccApp and ViVI Score aim to improve vaccine communication.
The project leverages the multiplexed VaxArray platform to deliver high-quality MR vaccines faster and at lower production costs. Measles and rubella vaccines can prevent these highly contagious diseases, which have had a significant impact globally.
A recent measles case highlights the importance of herd immunity in safeguarding those with compromised immune systems. Despite being fully vaccinated as a child, a Swiss man undergoing leukemia treatment died from severe measles complications.
Researchers studying vampire bats and Morbillivirus aim to understand how viruses persist inside the body and trigger new infections. The project aims to gain fundamental insights into RNA virus persistence and potentially shed light on diseases like SSPE.
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.
A 2013 measles outbreak in New York City resulted in 58 confirmed cases, with most unvaccinated individuals affected. The outbreak, triggered by an unvaccinated adolescent's return from London, required a significant public health response, including nearly $400,000 and over 10,000 personnel hours.
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 ...
Researchers capture images of measles viruses as they emerge from infected cells, gaining insights into the internal organization and potential antiviral strategies. The study reveals a scaffold-like matrix protein acting as a framework for viral assembly.
A portable test has been developed to identify populations at risk of measles and rubella infections in remote areas. The new technology can rapidly test multiple blood samples and is a potentially useful tool for addressing vaccine-preventable diseases in developing countries.
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.
Research presented at ECCMID found that unvaccinated patients accounted for most measles cases, with children under two years old being at higher risk of dying from the disease. The study also highlighted the impact of measles on young populations, with one in 1,000 cases resulting in death.
Having measles in early childhood may predispose individuals to asthma-like symptoms and airway obstruction if they also smoked. Adults with a significant history of asthma and smoking are at a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A new study in Ghana found that the timing of measles vaccination can significantly impact child survival rates. Measles vaccination after DTP3 increased child survival by 28% within the first year and 18% until age five. The vaccine also showed a stronger beneficial effect on boys compared to girls.
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.
A 5% drop in MMR vaccinations among children ages 2-11 could triple annual measles cases and increase public health expenditures by $2.1 million per case. The study predicts sharp rises in measles cases if vaccination rates further decline, with potential outbreaks in previously well-vaccinated communities.
A study estimates a three-fold increase in national measles cases in children ages 2 to 11 with just a 5% decline in MMR vaccine coverage, resulting in 150 cases and significant economic losses. Removing non-medical personal belief exemptions for childhood vaccination may mitigate these consequences.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers breaks down the ideas driving pro- and anti-vaccination stances, revealing that both sides focus on different concerns and interests. The study's findings suggest that understanding these core concepts can help address public concerns about vaccination safety.
More than half of eligible US travelers fail to receive a pre-trip measles vaccine, despite clinical recommendations. This increases the risk of endemic measles outbreaks in the US. Researchers urge improved provider and traveler knowledge of measles as a travel-related illness and increased vaccination rates.
A study found that 53% of eligible US travelers not receiving the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine during pre-travel consultations. Lack of concern about disease risk was the most common reason for non-vaccination. The research team recommends ways to increase vaccination rates among travelers.
Strengthening non-medical vaccine exemption policies can boost vaccination coverage and reduce costs, potentially cutting the risk of measles outbreaks in half. Researchers found that states with weaker policies are 140-190% more likely to experience an outbreak.
Measles can spread quickly in schools, with one infected child potentially infecting up to 27 others on average. High vaccination rates are necessary to prevent transmission, and historical data from a 1904 outbreak supports this finding.
Researchers identified 17 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in California between 1998 and 2016, most developed symptoms after getting measles as infants before being vaccinated. Vaccinating everyone against measles can prevent SSPE, which is fatal and has no cure.
A modeling study suggests that supplementary vaccination campaigns triggered by measles outbreaks could prevent 28,613 cases over 15 years in high-incidence settings. Vaccination campaigns prompted by serological surveys could prevent more cases, but would need to occur annually in high-incidence settings.
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.
A systematic review found that the IMCI strategy may lead to slightly fewer deaths among children under five years old. However, its effect on other issues such as illness and quality of care was mixed. The review's findings suggest that while IMCI may be beneficial in certain settings, its cost-effectiveness is uncertain.
A new study analyzing over 4,000 news articles about the 2014-15 Disneyland measles outbreak found that articles with a clear bottom-line message were shared more than twice as much as those without. The research supports 'fuzzy trace theory,' suggesting that communications focusing on the gist will be more compelling.
Researchers analyzed numerous studies and reports to find that unvaccinated individuals comprised a substantial proportion of cases in measles and pertussis outbreaks. Vaccine refusal was associated with an elevated risk for measles and pertussis, even among fully vaccinated individuals.
A recent study found that over half of eligible Americans visiting a travel clinic did not receive the recommended measles vaccine, putting them at risk for infection. Vaccination is also essential for preventing hepatitis A outbreaks in areas with inadequate sanitation, such as Mexico's Tulum resort destination.
A study found nearly 9 million children are susceptible to measles, with nearly 4% of 17-year-olds unvaccinated. The percentage of vaccinated children must remain above 92% to prevent outbreaks.
A study found that youth infected with HIV in utero may not have adequate immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, even if vaccinated. Those who started antiretroviral therapy early were more likely to have protective antibodies against these diseases.
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.
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.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the 2010 measles outbreak, linking it back to two visitors who brought separate genotypes of measles to Vancouver. The D8 and H1 strains spread across the province, resulting in 82 cases of measles.
A study led by Mount Sinai researchers compares flu viruses to the measles virus to identify key genes that can't be changed. This could lead to the development of universal flu vaccines and improved protection against emerging viral threats.
A new study finds that measles virus has rigid surface proteins that can't tolerate mutations, making it less prone to evolution than the flu virus. This difference in protein stability may explain why measles only requires a two-dose vaccine during childhood for lifelong immunity.
A new study reveals that measles can suppress the immune system for up to three years, making children highly vulnerable to other infectious diseases. The research, published in Science, provides epidemiologic evidence that measles attacks immune memory cells, leading to a state of 'immune amnesia'.
A new study reveals that measles vaccination prevents not only measles but also other infectious diseases by damaging the immune system's memory. This finding explains why mass measles vaccinations have driven down mortality rates from other diseases in high-income countries.
A recent measles outbreak in California was likely caused by substandard vaccination compliance, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study estimates that vaccination rates among exposed populations may be as low as 50 percent, highlighting the need for herd immunity.
Researchers calculate vaccine coverage among exposed populations in California, Arizona, and Illinois as far below 96-99% necessary for herd immunity. The virus's effective reproduction rate is estimated between 3.2-5.8, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to control outbreaks.
Researchers found that severe disruptions to healthcare systems during the Ebola outbreak led to a significant reduction in measles vaccinations. This could result in an additional 2,000 to 16,000 deaths if a measles epidemic were to occur in affected countries.
A study predicts a rise in measles cases by 100,000 across West Africa due to Ebola-related health system disruptions, resulting in an additional 5,000 measles deaths. The research highlights the need for aggressive regional vaccination programs to counteract the steep downturn in immunization rates.
Researchers estimate that a large measles outbreak in West Africa could infect nearly twice as many people and kill thousands more due to significant decreases in vaccinations for childhood diseases. The Ebola crisis has led to a 45% increase in unvaccinated children, posing a substantial risk to public health.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the appropriate use criteria for diagnostic cardiac catheterization may not be reliable for guiding clinical decisions. The researchers evaluated a cohort of 48,336 patients without a history of coronary artery disease and found that obstructive CAD is more likely to be diagno...
A new powdered measles vaccine has been found safe and effective in early human testing, with no clinically relevant side effects reported. The dry powder vaccine was delivered through a puff of air and showed promise as an alternative to traditional injectable vaccines.
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.