Nosocomial transmission of measles: An updated reviewArchived
Measles outbreaks continue to occur in developed countries as a result of suboptimal vaccine coverage. This review emphasizes the key role of nosocomial transmission in the current epidemiology of measles, especially in countries where measles is largely under control. Indeed, this mode of transmission increased in importance representing, in the last decade, around 22% of measles cases described in small outbreaks.
E. Botelho-Nevers, P. Gautret, R. Biellik, P. Brouqui. Vaccine 2012 Jun 8; 30(27): 3996-4001.
Transmission of measles in medical settings from infected HCWs to susceptible patients not only contributes to spread the disease and facilitate its reintroduction, but also has potentially severe and fatal consequences in high-risk patients such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. As we move toward global measles eradication, this type of transmission should be prevented and HCW vaccination status closely monitored.