OBJECTIVES: This article describes the effort to eliminate measles from Jamaica and its impact on measles incidence. METHODS: In addition to routine measles vaccination, the Jamaican Ministry of Health implemented a strategy of a 1-time-only catch-up vaccination campaign, conducted in 1991, and periodic follow-up campaigns, the first of which occurred in 1995. RESULTS: Since 1991, despite careful surveillance, no serologically confirmed indigenous cases of measles have occurred in Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS: Measles virus circulation has been interrupted in Jamaica. The Jamaican experience provides further evidence that global measles eradication is achievable.
OBJECTIVES: This article describes the effort to eliminate measles from Jamaica and its impact on measles incidence. METHODS: In addition to routine measles vaccination, the Jamaican Ministry of Health implemented a strategy of a 1-time-only catch-up vaccination campaign, conducted in 1991, and periodic follow-up campaigns, the first of which occurred in 1995. RESULTS: Since 1991, despite careful surveillance, no serologically confirmed indigenous cases of measles have occurred in Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS:Measles virus circulation has been interrupted in Jamaica. The Jamaican experience provides further evidence that global measles eradication is achievable.
Authors: C A de Quadros; J M Olivé; B S Hersh; M A Strassburg; D A Henderson; D Brandling-Bennett; G A Alleyne Journal: JAMA Date: 1996-01-17 Impact factor: 56.272