[Measles in The Netherlands; epidemiology and the effect of vaccination].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the incidence of measles in the Netherlands and assess the effect of vaccination with regard to vaccination status.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Data were collected from the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS), reported cases at the National Health Department (NHD), data from hospitals concerning admissions, morbidity data from the General Practitioner Networks, serological data from virology laboratories and serological data from several other studies.


RESULTS
After introduction of the measles vaccination in 1976, morbidity and reported cases decreased dramatically. Some data suggest that measles in children over 10 years old are reported more frequently. Death caused by measles did not occur after 1988.


CONCLUSIONS
The massive vaccination since 1976 resulted in an initial decrease in incidence of measles. The increase in incidence thereafter was probably caused by an increase in, and crowding of vulnerable, older people. No effect on the severity of the complications were seen so far. Surveillance is necessary to follow groups at risk and to take proper preventive measures.
van der Zwan
C W
CW
Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiëne, Bilthoven.
Plantinga
A D
AD
Rümke
H C
HC
Conyn-van Spaendonck
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D008458:Measles Vaccine; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D008458:Measles Vaccine
Mazelen in Nederland; epidemiologie en de invloed van vaccinatie.