Nosocomial outbreaks--a potential threat to the elimination of measles?
A suspected nosocomial outbreak of measles among children in the largest hospital in Southern Africa is described. The outbreak occurred from June to August 1999. Due to geographic differences in the areas where the patients lived, it is unlikely they came into contact with measles in the community. In contrast, all but the first case was in the ward of origin when another child was present with clinical signs and symptoms of measles. All but the first child had subsequent laboratory confirmation of acute measles infection. This outbreak occurred after the launch of the measles elimination effort in South Africa. The implications of nosocomial transmission of measles on the elimination effort are discussed.
National Institute for Communicable Disease (formerly National Institute for Virology), Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. marshalltm@pathology.wits.ac.za
Teresa Michele
TM
Marshall
Dorothy
D
Hlatswayo
Barry
B
Schoub
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel