LogoLogoMSF Science Portal
  • My saved items
logo

© Médecins Sans Frontières

MSF Science Portal
About MSF Science Portal
About MSF
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

v2.1.4829.produseast1

Journal Article > Research

Challenges in measuring measles case fatality ratios in settings without vital registration

Cairns KL, Nandy R, Grais RF
Download
Download
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Measles, a highly infectious vaccine-preventable viral disease, is potentially fatal. Historically, measles case-fatality ratios (CFRs) have been reported to vary from 0.1% in the developed world to as high as 30% in emergency settings. Estimates of the global burden of mortality from measles, critical to prioritizing measles vaccination among other health interventions, are highly sensitive to the CFR estimates used in modeling; however, due to the lack of reliable, up-to-date data, considerable debate exists as to what CFR estimates are appropriate to use. To determine current measles CFRs in high-burden settings without vital registration we have conducted six retrospective measles mortality studies in such settings. This paper examines the methodological challenges of this work and our solutions to these challenges, including the integration of lessons from retrospective all-cause mortality studies into CFR studies, approaches to laboratory confirmation of outbreaks, and means of obtaining a representative sample of case-patients. Our experiences are relevant to those conducting retrospective CFR studies for measles or other diseases, and to those interested in all-cause mortality studies.
Countries
ChadNepalNigerNigeriaSudan
Subject Area
measlesoutbreaks
DOI
10.1186/1742-7622-7-4
Published Date
19-Jul-2010
PubMed ID
20642812
Languages
English
Journal
Emerging Themes in Epidemiology
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 7, Issue 1, Pages 4
Issue Date
19-Jul-2010
Dimensions Badge