U.S. Surgeon GeneralVerified account

2/7 The effect of measles outbreaks is generally estimated through case counts and geographic spread. Given the high infectivity and potential for severe postinfection complications, simple case counts are not capable of reflecting the true cost of measles...

5/7 Responding to measles outbreaks is costly. The cost of responding to a single case of measles can be as high as $142000 depending on the number and location of contacts that must be traced, the amount of postexposure prophylaxis that must be administered.

4/7 Secondary infections like ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia, are associated w/ substantial morbidity and mortality. In addition to postinfection immunosuppression, measles infection is associated w/ increased all-cause mortality extending 2 to 3 years postinfection.

6/7 Assessments likely underestimate total costs as not all include direct medical treatment, quarantine-related costs, or costs of testing & vaccinating health providers. Measles associated costs represent a profound financial burden on communities working to control outbreaks.

3/7 When evaluating the true cost of measles epidemics during the postelimination era, policy makers must account for long-term immunologic se- quelae that result from infection, monetary effects of a response to the outbreak, & resulting strain on the health care infrastructure.

7/7 When outbreaks occur, human resources must be diverted from other programs and functions to respond quickly and appropriately, thereby disrupting existing public health and health care systems.