Florida’s dengue outbreak highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms, identifying warning signs, and preventing mosquito bites. Ubong Johnson, MD, explains local transmission, diagnostic testing, treatment, and practical prevention measures.
|Articles|June 3, 2003
Measles Still Leading Cause of Vaccine-Preventable Deaths in Children
Advertisement
WASHINGTON -- According to a study in the May 23, 2003 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine for 40 years, measles remains the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children. The report is titled, "Update: Global Measles Control and Mortality Reduction -- Worldwide, 1991-2001."
Measles was responsible for 770,000 deaths globally in 2000. Of these measles-associated deaths, 98 percent occurred in the 75 countries with gross domestic products of less than $1,000 per capita, and 58 percent occurred in the WHO region of Africa.
According to the report, reducing the high burden of measles will require a comprehensive approach. Affected countries will need to achieve high coverage in each district and nationally with the first dose of measles vaccine administered through routine services to children (who are nine months of age or shortly thereafter). This approach should be followed with a second opportunity for measles immunization for all children, the establishment of effective surveillance for measles, and improved case management.
Source: CDC
Advertisement
Related to this article
Understanding current water quality is a starting point for ST108 implementation. John Kimsey, vice president of processing optimization and customer success for STERISS, spoke about his HSPA presentation on assessing readiness, distinguishing system qualification from routine testing, and understanding where water samples should be collected.
An unexplained death at a Russian plague research institute has prompted international scrutiny. The incident raises questions about laboratory safety, transparent reporting, and infection prevention preparedness while the cause remains unconfirmed.
Behind every landmark in infection prevention, from antimicrobial stewardship guidelines to the COVID-19 town halls that reached flight attendants and teachers, is a generation of physician-scientists who led SHEA through crises, organizational change, and scientific breakthroughs. Infection Control Today traces 30 years of SHEA presidents and the lasting mark they left on the field.
Missing instruments and processing delays can strain OR–SPD relationships. At AORN 2026, John Kimsey, vice president of processing optimization and customer success for STERIS, discusses understanding root causes, exploring off-site reprocessing for ambulatory surgical centers, and using hands-on simulation to help surgical teams see sterile processing from a different perspective.
This week's coverage in Infection Control Today centered on a common thread: the systems, partnerships, and data that let infection prevention teams catch problems before patients are harmed.
UPMC’s genomic surveillance initiative earned national recognition for patient safety. Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, AL-CIP, explains how the award could help infection preventionists secure leadership support and sustainable funding for earlier outbreak detection.
Knowing the protocol is only the beginning. In The Clean Bite, Sherrie Busby explores how explaining the why, addressing staff concerns, and creating clear procedures can help dental teams make infection control part of everyday practice.
Advertisement
Advertisement