Jamaica's measles elimination experience

Am J Public Health. 1999 Aug;89(8):1254-5. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.8.1254.

Abstract

Objectives: This article describes the effort to eliminate measles from Jamaica and its impact on measles incidence.

Methods: In addition to routine measles vaccination, the Jamaican Ministry of Health implemented a strategy of a 1-time-only catch-up vaccination campaign, conducted in 1991, and periodic follow-up campaigns, the first of which occurred in 1995.

Results: Since 1991, despite careful surveillance, no serologically confirmed indigenous cases of measles have occurred in Jamaica.

Conclusions: Measles virus circulation has been interrupted in Jamaica. The Jamaican experience provides further evidence that global measles eradication is achievable.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / organization & administration*
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Jamaica / epidemiology
  • Measles / epidemiology
  • Measles / prevention & control*
  • Population Surveillance