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Estimates of measles case fatality ratios: a comprehensive review of community-based studies | Journal Article / Review | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Review

Estimates of measles case fatality ratios: a comprehensive review of community-based studies

Wolfson LJ, Grais RF, Luquero FJ, Birmingham ME, Strebel PM
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Abstract
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.

Subject Area

measles

Languages

English
DOI
10.1093/ije/dyn224
Published Date
02 Feb 2009
PubMed ID
19188207
Journal
International Journal of Epidemiology
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 38, Issue 1
Issue Date
2009-02-01
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