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Ebola highlights disparity of disease burden in developed vs. developing countries

The study found that measles death rates were 197 times greater in developing countries than in developed countries, while syphilis death rates were 33-45 times higher. Ebola mortality rates were also significantly higher in developing countries, with 4,447 deaths compared to just two in developed nations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 15, 2014

Expanding the age of eligibility for measles vaccination could increase childhood survival in Africa

A new report by Princeton University researchers suggests that expanding the age of eligibility for measles vaccination from 12 to 15 months could significantly increase coverage in Africa. The study found that increasing the age range would have the most impact on countries with high rates of unvaccinated children.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateAug 26, 2014

Vaccine website could increase uptake

A dedicated website for the MMR vaccine is proposed as a simple yet effective way to boost vaccination rates. The study found that providing parents with online information reduces concerns and is more cost-effective than traditional methods like leaflets or face-to-face consultations.

SourceMonash University·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJul 28, 2014

High disease load reduces mortality of children

Children conceived during a severe epidemic show increased resistance to later diseases, a phenomenon known as functional trans-generational effect. This discovery suggests that parents can prepare their children for future diseases, and the underlying mechanism may be linked to an optimized immune response in high-pathogen environments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 16, 2014

GAVI boosts global response to measles outbreaks

The GAVI Alliance has pledged an additional $162 million to control and prevent measles outbreaks in six high-risk countries. The funding will strengthen routine immunisation systems and follows a decision last November to provide over $600 million to tackle rubella through a combined measles-rubella vaccine.

A physician's guide for anti-vaccine parents

A Mayo Clinic expert and pediatrician refute three immunity-related misconceptions about vaccines, citing a recent review of 1,200 articles that found no autoimmune side effects. The experts also emphasize the risk of illness and death from under-vaccination, including whooping cough and measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHuman Immunology·DateApr 23, 2012

From herd immunity and complacency to group panic: How vaccine scares unfold

A new model based on game theory and social learning can predict the patterns of vaccine scares, explaining why vaccine uptake takes time to recover after a scare. The model highlights the interplay between disease dynamics and vaccination behavior, suggesting that herd immunity can lead to complacency among unvaccinated individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 5, 2012

Estimating the effectiveness of vaccination programs

Researchers developed a method to estimate vaccination program effectiveness in three African countries, identifying areas for improvement. The study's findings can inform strategies to increase vaccine coverage and address issues with vaccine delivery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

Surprises of the measles virus structure

A new three-dimensional model of measles virus helps explain unaccounted observations in its life cycle. The study found matrix protein forms helical tubes around the viral genome and nucleocapsid, regulating replication and genome movement.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Cell receptor could allow measles virus to target tumors

Researchers discovered that measles virus can target tumors through the PVRL4 receptor, a marker found on lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells. This approach could be used to fight various types of cancer, with ongoing experiments testing its effectiveness in mouse tumor models.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 25, 2011

Measles outbreak underscores need for continued vigilance in health care settings

A recent measles outbreak in Tucson, Arizona, resulted in 14 confirmed cases and highlighted the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings. The investigation revealed that the lack of electronic records documenting health care personnel's immunity status led to unnecessary vaccinations and furloughs, resulting in significant ...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 2011

Vitamin supplements reduce deaths caused by measles and diarrhea

A new Cochrane review confirms vitamin A supplementation programmes in developing countries effectively reduce measles and diarrhoea incidence, saving thousands of lives. Researchers recommend continued use but emphasize the need for long-term solutions like fortification and dietary diversification.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2010

No scientific link between childhood vaccines and autism

A new article reviews published research and finds no convincing evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. The onset of autism occurs prior to age three, with various possible associations examined but no clear cause identified.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing·DateOct 8, 2009

Measles virus may be effective prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have found that certain measles virus vaccine strain derivatives can effectively infect, replicate in and kill prostate cancer cells. This type of treatment, called virotherapy, shows promise as a potential cure for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Prostate·DateJan 21, 2009

Study firmly shows no connection between measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism

A study published in Public Library of Science found no association between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism or gastrointestinal symptoms in children. The study analyzed bowel tissues from 25 children with autism and GI disturbances, as well as 13 controls, and found no presence of measles virus RNA in either group.

Mayo researchers discover how measles virus spreads (in its host)

Researchers found that the measles virus can replicate only in immune cells, causing disease in monkeys and potentially improving cancer therapy efficacy. The study's findings challenge traditional textbook assumptions about how the virus spreads, paving the way for more effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2008

Dry season brings on measles in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers found a strong seasonal fluctuation of measles transmission rate in Niamey, Niger, which can help predict annual outbreaks. Vaccinating at least 95% of children with two doses of the measles vaccine is crucial to controlling the disease, particularly in areas with high birth rates and limited access to healthcare.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2008

No link between MMR jab and autism spectrum disorders

A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood finds no association between the MMR vaccine and autism spectrum disorders, contradicting previous research. The study analyzed blood samples from nearly 250 children with autism, as well as comparison groups without autism or special educational needs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 4, 2008

Studies affirm need for influenza and measles vaccinations in HIV-infected patients

Two new studies emphasize the importance of delivering measles and influenza vaccines to HIV-infected individuals. Measles vaccine administered at age 9 months showed limited protection in HIV-infected children, highlighting the need for supplementary vaccinations to maintain immunity. In contrast, rates of influenza vaccination among ...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 2007

New MUHC study adds more evidence to clear measles mumps rubella vaccine as a risk factor for autism

A new MUHC study provides conclusive evidence that the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study's findings contradict previous molecular studies that falsely linked the vaccine to autism. The research team uncovered fundamental errors in these earlier studies, clearing the MMR vaccine of its link to autism.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2006

Lower vaccination rates put children at risk

A study found that 35% of children using complementary alternative medicines (CAM) had lower vaccination rates, while 8.9% were unvaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents' misconceptions about vaccine safety can lead to adverse events and harm their children.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 28, 2005