Estimates of measles case fatality ratios: a comprehensive review of community-based studies.
BACKGROUND
Global deaths from measles have decreased notably in past decades, due to both increases in immunization rates and decreases in measles case fatality ratios (CFRs). While some aspects of the reduction in measles mortality can be monitored through increases in immunization coverage, estimating the level of measles deaths (in absolute terms) is problematic, particularly since incidence-based methods of estimation rely on accurate measures of measles CFRs. These ratios vary widely by geographic and epidemiologic context and even within the same community from year-to-year.


METHODS
To understand better the variations in CFRs, we reviewed community-based studies published between 1980 and 2008 reporting age-specific measles CFRs.


RESULTS
The results of the search consistently document that measles CFRs are highest in unvaccinated children under age 5 years; in outbreaks; the lowest CFRs occur in vaccinated children regardless of setting. The broad range of case and death definitions, study populations and geography highlight the complexities in extrapolating results for global public health planning.


CONCLUSIONS
Values for measles CFRs remain imprecise, resulting in continued uncertainty about the actual toll measles exacts.
Wolfson
Lara J
LJ
Health Security and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva 27, Switzerland. wolfsonl@who.int
Grais
Rebecca F
RF
Luquero
Francisco J
FJ
Birmingham
Maureen E
ME
Strebel
Peter M
PM
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications
D008458:Measles Vaccine