Measles Outbreak Investigation in Bavaria, Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Wadl Maria, Siedler Anette, Krämer Wolfgang, Haindl Maria E, Gebrande Stephan, Krenn-Lanzl Irene, Mankertz Annette, Hautmann Wolfgang
Primary Institution: Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
How does measles transmission occur from an anthroposophic community to the general population?
Conclusion
The introduction of measles virus into a susceptible population can lead to significant outbreaks if vaccination coverage is low.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 217 measles cases, 28 were linked to an anthroposophic school in Austria.
- 156 out of 161 respondents to the questionnaire were unvaccinated.
- 29 cases (18%) developed complications, indicating measles is not a mild disease.
Takeaway
If people in a community don't get vaccinated, a disease like measles can spread quickly and affect many others.
Methodology
Data was collected through national surveillance and questionnaires, and cases were grouped into clusters based on proximity and timing.
Potential Biases
Interviewer bias could have affected the data collected through questionnaires.
Limitations
Case finding relied on physician reporting, which may have underestimated the outbreak's extent.
Participant Demographics
Median age of cases was 11 years, with 47% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.4-6.1
Statistical Significance
p = 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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