Open AccessCommunity-Oriented Epidemic Preparedness and Response to the Jerusalem 2018–2019 Measles Epidemic
Author(s) -
Chen SteinZamir,
Nitza Abramson,
Naomi Edelstein,
Hanna Shoob,
Gary Zentner,
Deena R. Zimmerman
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2019.305343
Subject(s) - measles , preparedness , environmental health , virology , medicine , demography , vaccination , political science , sociology , law
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.