Outbreak of measles at a vocational training school
Arnedo, A.; Bellido, J.; Vidal, J.; Peñarrocha, J.; Cortés, A.; González, F.; Momparler, P.; Pac, M.R.; Calvo, C.; Safont, L.
Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiologia Clinica 12(3): 127-133
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0213-005X PMID: 8011718 Document Number: 438408
A measles outbreak which started in the technical institute Els Ports in Albocacer (Castellón), and involved nearby towns was studied. The outbreak was described using a retrospective cohort study to estimate the efficacy of the antimeasles vaccination (EV) by a questionnaire distributed in the institute. Response rate was 80.7%. A clinical definition of measles was used with EV being calculated by 2 different formulas. Antimeasles vaccination coverage (VC) in primary schools of the towns involved was also assessed. The outbreak occurred from February to April 1992, including 13 cases of measles (mean age: 13.6 +/- 2.7 years). Eleven patients (84.6%) had not been vaccinated. The attack rate the above mentioned institute was 9.1% (8 cases/88 students) with VC of 40.9%. An association was found only between being vaccinated and not having measles, relative risk 0.07 (confidence limits [CL] 95%: 0.01-0.50). EV was 92.9% (CL 95%: 50-99%) using the traditional formula and 96.2% (CL 95%: 88.2-100%) using the new formula. The VC in the schools was 92.3%. Vaccination with the triple viral vaccine was recommended to susceptible individuals. Despite specific vaccination measles continues to produce epidemics. A second dose of the triple viral vaccine is recommended for being included in the vaccination calendar between the age of 6 and 14 years.