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Global Laboratory Network For Measles Surveillance Introduction Measles remains a leading cause of preventable death and illness worldwide. Vaccination has reduced the burden of this highly infectious disease in many regions, but high vaccination rates are necessary to prevent re-emergence of measles cases. The surveillance for cases in areas where measles activity has been eliminated or greatly reduced relies upon both thorough epidemiologic investigations and laboratory support. The laboratory is needed to confirm cases and if possible, to identify genotypes of measles virus. As worldwide control of measles progresses, the ability to monitor measles genotypes through laboratory surveillance can greatly enhance investigations into the sources of infection and epidemiologic chains of transmission. The measles laboratory network within the Pan American Health Organization, in partnership with the Measles Virus Section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has improved the capacity and quality of measles surveillance in the regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. Efforts are being made to develop such a network in the other regions of the globe, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). This website is intended to facilitate communication among laboratories that conduct measles diagnosis and virus characterization, as well as those involved in surveillance of measles. The resources presented here are a compilation of protocols and reference materials that have been developed to support laboratory activities in measles elimination efforts. Please contact us with comments and suggestions to improve the usefulness of these web pages. The publications section of the National Immunization Program provides a background chapter on measles (Chapter 10) of "The Pink Book" with information about clinical symptoms, diagnosis and vaccination information. The information sources on this page include press releases, Promed postings and links to non-CDC Web sites. The use of these resources does not constitute an endorsement of any organization or information service, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the links outside of this Web site or information from outside sources which has been compiled here as a convenience to the measles laboratory network and other readers. Use of trade names or commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by CDC. |
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This page last reviewed May 9, 2005 |
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