Outbreak of Measles in the Republic of Korea, 2007: Importance of Nosocomial Transmission

Abstract

Limited outbreaks of measles, in which nosocomial transmission can play an important role, may occur after countries have declared elimination. Timely and opportunistic vaccination may help prevent such outbreaks; high-quality surveillance is critical for their detection.

Vaccination of healthcare workers: A review

“…119,120 Many nosocomial measles cases have been reported in the literature during the last 2 decades. 117 As with other highly contagious diseases, nosocomial measles transmission may involve a large number of potential contacts that should be traced quickly for implementation of appropriate isolation measures to stop the within-hospital spread of the virus.…”

Reemergence of Measles in South Korea: Implications for Immunization and Surveillance Programs

“…Moreover, as in 2007 outbreak, the Gyeongnam outbreak repeatedly demonstrated the transmission of measles through healthcare facilities (7,8). The outbreak was most likely aggravated by the transmission of virus to infants aged 6-11 months in hospital D, which operates one of the largest children's outpatient clinics in Gyeongnam Province (Fig.…”

“…Between 2006 and 2010, however, a reemergence of measles was observed in small, susceptible populations in kindergartens, schools, and hospitals (6)(7)(8). Although the number of measles cases were small, these intermittent outbreaks were deemed importance because they demonstrated the need for the Korean government to mount additional efforts to completely eliminate the disease.…”

Progress towards measles elimination in Singapore

“…Thus far, annual incidence of measles among foreigners has been low compared to locals. Nevertheless, in light of a significant recruitment of foreign healthcare workers into Singapore's healthcare system to meet rising healthcare demands, healthcare institutions should track their staff's vaccination status and ensure that they are adequately vaccinated against measles, to prevent nosocomial transmission [47,48].…”