International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 204-211, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
BP Lanphear, S le Cessie, WL Atkinson and L Watelet
BACKGROUND: The basis for the resurgence of measles in the US in 1989 and
1990 is not understood. This analysis was undertaken to test the hypothesis
that an increase in the number of livebirths was associated with the
resurgence of measles in the US. METHODS: We undertook an ecologic analysis
of 20 cities/countries in the US with documented rates of immunization
among 2-year-old children. RESULTS: Over the 6- year period 1985-1990, the
numbers of livebirths and of susceptible preschool aged children increased
by 18.5% and 17.7%, respectively. Livebirths, and the number and density of
susceptible preschool-age children were significantly associated with the
number and incidence of measles among preschool children (r = 0.83, P =
0.04). In a comparison between counties, numbers of livebirths were also
significantly correlated with the mean number (r = 0.73, P = 0.0003) and
incidence of measles cases (r = 0.51, P = 0.02). Mean immunization rates of
2-year- old children were also associated with the mean incidence of
measles (r = -0.66, P = 0.0015, and r = -0.57, P = 0.009, respectively). In
a logistic regression model, levels of immunization and susceptible density
were independent predictors of measles epidemics among preschool children.
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the increase in livebirths, leading to
an increase in the number and density of susceptible hosts, was associated
with the resurgence of measles among preschool-age children.
ARTICLES
Association of livebirths and the resurgence of measles
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14621, USA.
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