Transmission of measles in medical settings. 1980 through 1984
R. M. Davis, W. A. Orenstein, J. A. Frank Jr, J. J. Sacks, L. G. Dales, S. R. Preblud, K. J. Bart, N. M. Williams and A. R. Hinman
For the five-year period 1980 through 1984, a total of 241 persons with
measles in 30 states were identified as probably having acquired their
infection in a medical facility. The proportion of all measles cases
acquired in medical settings increased from 0.7% for 1980 through 1982 to
2.9% for 1983 and 1984. Seventy-six percent of cases were found in patients
or visitors, and 24% in personnel at the medical facility where
transmission occurred. The highest proportion of cases occurred in children
less than 5 years of age (54.3%), followed by persons 25 to 29 years of age
(14.7%). Of spread (50.0%) and patient-to-staff spread (36.7%) were most
common. Medical personnel rarely transmitted disease to others. More
attention needs to be given to methods of preventing spread of measles in
medical facilities, such as isolation precautions, postexposure prohylaxis
of potential contacts (vaccination or immune globulin), and ensuring that
medical personnel are immune to measles.
