Measles Outbreak Guide PDF Download

Current WHO guidance on measles outbreak response published in 1999, emphasized that most outbreaks were either detected too late or spread too rapidly to allow for an effective immunization response. This recommendation was based primarily on a literature review of manuscripts published on the impact of immunization control activities on measles outbreaks in middle- and low-income countries from 1977 to 1993. The validity of these recommendations was reviewed given recent evidence (published and from filed experience) on the impact of outbreak response immunization on measles outbreaks. This review of the evidence was carried out as follows: A consultation meeting was organized by WHO in 2006 to discuss the need for updated guidelines and to review the new evidence which supports the guidance provided in the updated document. The meeting was attended by experts from the CDC, Epicentre, MSF Belgium and MSF France, WHO and UNICEF. An extensive literature review of data (published from 1995-2006) to re-assess the impact of immunization response to measles outbreaks was carried out and the results were summarized and submitted for publication. This included a review of 277 articles. The key findings of this review are summarized in section F below. Review of data from the field and from unpublished studies on the duration of measles outbreaks and effectiveness of interventions with non-selective vaccination. Based on the initial consultations, a draft document was prepared by the Departments of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals and Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response and comments from experts were solicited. Experts were from, the CDC, the 6 WHO regional offices, MSF, Epicentre, UNICEF and from country level immunization staff and partners.