Jamaica's measles elimination experience.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Hirshon
J M
JM
Division of Vaccines and Immunization, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Irons
B
B
Figueroa
P
P
Lewis-Bell
K
K
Goodman
M
M
Kirk
G D
GD
Hersh
B S
BS
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011159:Population Surveillance