Community-Oriented Epidemic Preparedness and Response to the Jerusalem 2018-2019 Measles Epidemic.

Stein-Zamir, Chen; Abramson, Nitza; Edelstein, Naomi; Shoob, Hanna; Zentner, Gary; Zimmerman, Deena R · Am J Public Health · 2019

other · Level V

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Abstract

Measles epidemics are still a public health challenge worldwide, necessitating a rapid response. The Jerusalem District Health Office applied a community-oriented intervention during the 2018-2019 epidemic (2150 notified cases). Program development targeted the socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of high-incidence Jewish ultraorthodox communities. Health care and community collaboration led to coverage rates of measles vaccination increasing from 80% to 95% within three months and a significant decline in incidence. Epidemic preparedness calls for maintaining the infrastructure of countermeasures combined with sustaining immunization coverage.

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