Outbreak of Measles in a Residential Home for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore in 2019

Am J Public Health. 2020 Oct;110(10):1532-1534. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2020.305820. Epub 2020 Aug 20.

Abstract

A measles outbreak involving 19 adults in a home for the intellectually disabled occurred in Singapore in 2019. Further investigation, including a serological survey, was conducted. Mass vaccination and infection control measures were implemented, terminating further secondary transmission. Seropositivity among residents aged 40 to 49 years (90.7%; 95% confidence interval = 78.4%, 96.3%) was lower than among the Singapore adult population (P < .001). This sheltered population, like others previously reported in the literature, had lower measles immunity than the general community, possibly because of limited social interaction. Targeted catch-up vaccination for similarly vulnerable populations should be considered.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy*
  • Male
  • Mass Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / immunology
  • Measles / prevention & control*
  • Measles Vaccine / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Residential Facilities
  • Singapore / epidemiology

Substances

  • Measles Vaccine