BACKGROUND: Global deaths from measles have decreased notably in past decades, due to both increases in immunization rates and decreases in measles case fatality ratios (CFRs). While some aspects of the reduction in measles mortality can be monitored through increases in immunization coverage, estimating the level of measles deaths (in absolute terms) is problematic, particularly since incidence-based methods of estimation rely on accurate measures of measles CFRs. These ratios vary widely by geographic and epidemiologic context and even within the same community from year-to-year. METHODS: To understand better the variations in CFRs, we reviewed community-based studies published between 1980 and 2008 reporting age-specific measles CFRs. RESULTS: The results of the search consistently document that measles CFRs are highest in unvaccinated children under age 5 years; in outbreaks; the lowest CFRs occur in vaccinated children regardless of setting. The broad range of case and death definitions, study populations and geography highlight the complexities in extrapolating results for global public health planning. CONCLUSIONS: Values for measles CFRs remain imprecise, resulting in continued uncertainty about the actual toll measles exacts.
BACKGROUND: Global deaths from measles have decreased notably in past decades, due to both increases in immunization rates and decreases in measles case fatality ratios (CFRs). While some aspects of the reduction in measles mortality can be monitored through increases in immunization coverage, estimating the level of measles deaths (in absolute terms) is problematic, particularly since incidence-based methods of estimation rely on accurate measures of measles CFRs. These ratios vary widely by geographic and epidemiologic context and even within the same community from year-to-year. METHODS: To understand better the variations in CFRs, we reviewed community-based studies published between 1980 and 2008 reporting age-specific measles CFRs. RESULTS: The results of the search consistently document that measles CFRs are highest in unvaccinated children under age 5 years; in outbreaks; the lowest CFRs occur in vaccinated children regardless of setting. The broad range of case and death definitions, study populations and geography highlight the complexities in extrapolating results for global public health planning. CONCLUSIONS: Values for measles CFRs remain imprecise, resulting in continued uncertainty about the actual toll measles exacts.
Authors: Bruce Y Lee; Shawn T Brown; Leila A Haidari; Samantha Clark; Taiwo Abimbola; Sarah E Pallas; Aaron S Wallace; Elizabeth A Mitgang; Jim Leonard; Sarah M Bartsch; Tatenda T Yemeke; Eli Zenkov; Sachiko Ozawa Journal: Vaccine Date: 2019-03-25 Impact factor: 3.641
Authors: Saki Takahashi; C Jessica E Metcalf; Matthew J Ferrari; William J Moss; Shaun A Truelove; Andrew J Tatem; Bryan T Grenfell; Justin Lessler Journal: Science Date: 2015-03-13 Impact factor: 47.728
Authors: Jeremy D Goldhaber-Fiebert; Marc Lipsitch; Ajay Mahal; Alan M Zaslavsky; Joshua A Salomon Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-11-04 Impact factor: 3.240