Evaluation of an expanded case definition for vaccine-modified measles in a school outbreak in South Korea in 2010

Jpn J Infect Dis. 2012;65(5):371-5. doi: 10.7883/yoken.65.371.

Abstract

In this study, we have described the clinical characteristics of vaccine-modified measles to assess the performance of an expanded case definition in a school outbreak that occurred in 2010. The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. Among 74 cases of vaccine-modified measles, 47 (64%) met the original case definition. Fever and rash were observed in 73% (54/74); fever was the most common (96%, 71/74) presenting symptom, and rash was noted in 77% (57/74) of the cases. The original case definition showed an overall sensitivity of 63.5% and a specificity of 100.0%. The expanded case definition combining fever and rash showed a higher sensitivity (72.9%) but a lower specificity (88.2%) than the original. The presence of fever and one or more of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis scored the highest sensitivity among the combinations of signs and symptoms (77.0%), but scored the lowest specificity (52.9%). The expanded case definition was sensitive in identifying suspected cases of vaccine-modified measles. We suggest using this expanded definition for outbreak investigation in a closed community, and consider further discussions on expanding the case definition of measles for routine surveillance in South Korea.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / virology*
  • Measles Vaccine / administration & dosage*
  • Measles Vaccine / adverse effects
  • Morbillivirus / drug effects*
  • Morbillivirus / immunology
  • Morbillivirus / isolation & purification
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Schools
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Measles Vaccine