The 2014 measles outbreak in Osaka An epidemiological study for the elimination of measles.

OBJECTIVES: To examine and analyze the spread of measles in Osaka in 2014 and determine effective measures to prevent such occurrences. METHODS: We analyzed 47 cases of measles reported in Osaka, including one measles patient living in another prefecture where there was an outbreak. We focused on age distribution, the number of patients reported each week, estimated infection routes, history of measles vaccination, detection of viruses, and number of days it took to report the case after the onset of measles. RESULTS: Patients aged 20-39 years accounted for 24 cases (51.1%). The number of patients reported started from 2nd week with relatively broad peak to 27(th) week, and the measles epidemic was brought under control in the 47(th) week. Among the 47 cases, no source could be identified in 16 cases (34.0%). Household exposure was the main cause of the infection (25.5%), followed by imported cases (21.3%). Eighty-three percent of the overall patients had not received a measles vaccination at all or it was unclear whether they previously had been vaccinated. Genotype B3, H1, and D8 were detected in our patients and these genotypes originated overseas. It took significantly more days, from the onset of measles, for the case to be reported in patients aged 15 years and over compared with those aged under 15 years (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: For eradicating measles in Osaka, it is important to raise awareness about this issue among medical institutions, especially institutions for adults, in order for them to report cases as soon as possible, upon discovery in their patients. In addition, "catch-up" supplementary immunizations are effective for all people, including adults who are susceptible to measles.

[The influence of ageing and seasons on infantile eczema - a population-based cohort study of babies aged 4 months and 10 months].

BACKGROUND: This is probably the first report of a population study on infantile eczema performed for 12 months at two ages of 4 months and 10 months on the same infant group. METHODS: The Fujiidera Health Center services the health needs of 181,994 inhabitants of Habikino and Fujiidera cities. Between September 1990 and August 1991,1775 newborns were called for a health check-up performed twice a months when they reached 4 months of age. This was repeated for a year when the infants reached 10 months of age. A total of 1493 4-month old infants and 1264 10-month old infants were examined. An expert dermatologist joined this and performed a complete skin examination throughout the study. The eczematous skin changes were evaluated at 50 different points on the body and scored using an originally made chart. Scratch marks were also evaluated at each area. Based on the scores computed eczema was diagnosed when the total score crossed a threshold number. Based on this the examiner diagnoses were categorized as follows: Degree 1: no need to visit a doctor, Degree 2: visit to doctor required, Degree 3: treatment required. Gender was not considered. The data was analyzed by an originally made software using DEC-7000 computer. RESULTS: Of all the 4-month old infants examined 329 (22.0%) were initially diagnosed to have eczema while of all the 10-month old infants examined 268 (21.2%) were initially diagnosed to have eczema. Further, out of the 329 4-month old infants initially diagnosed with eczema, 228 were again examined when they were 10-months old. Of this sample; 123 (9.7%) infants showed continued symptoms of eczema and 165 (13.1%) infants no longer showed signs of eczema. In addition, out of the 976 4-month old infants initially diagnosed without eczema, 145 (11.5%) newly developed eczema at 10 months. Hence the cumulative diagnosis rate of eczema reached 34.3%. Meanwhile the monthly diagnosis number was significantly higher in Feb (OR 1.84, p=0.031) and significantly lower in Aug (OR 0.21, p<0.001) than the expected number calculated from monthly examination number and the annual diagnosis rate at 4 months. This observation was also the case at 10 months (Feb; OR 2.19, p=0.02, Aug; OR 0.36, p=0.015). The degree of eczema was significantly higher (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney's U test) at 4 months than 10 months. When this was seen monthly, degree 3 was most prevalent in February-March, while degree 2 was most prevalent in October-January for the 4-month olds. For the 10-month olds, both the degree 3 and degree 2 were quite low throughout the year and only degree 1 showed a monthly change similar to degree 2 plus degree 3 of the 4-month olds. CONCLUSION: We therefore conclude that eczematous skin manifestations of infantile eczema are easily changeable by age at less than 1 year and are strongly influenced by seasons.

[Nationwide survey of municipality's maternal & child health promotion planning processes and consequent changes].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to offer insight into the revisions needed for promotion of Maternal and Child Health Promotion Plans in the coming years. METHODS: The maternal and child health promotion planning process and changes in maternal and child health services were surveyed by questionnaires to all municipalities in Japan. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 2,362 municipalities (response rate: 72.6%) Replies from 2,202 municipalities, which had completed planning by March, 1998, were analyzed. Planning committees were established by 63.9% of municipalities, and working committees were set up in 55.4% of them. Members involved in the working committees were more limited when compared to the planning committees and only 9.3% of the committees had representatives from mothers. 37.5% of working committees held meetings more than 5 times. 56.0% of municipalities conducted hearings or questionnaire surveys of mothers and health personnel for assessment of maternal and child healthcare needs. Most prefectural public health centers provided statistical data for planning assistance. Public health center staff participated as planning members in 38.5% of municipalities, and a training program for the planning sponsored by health centers was utilized by 33.8% of municipalities. Only 18.3% of municipalities received support for explanation of the plans to the mayor and/or executive officers, only 12.1% received support for the management of the planning committees, and only 11.8% received support for needs analysis. Less than half of minicipalities conducted PR activities of the plans and progress management. A higher proportion conducted these activities in larger cities. After the planning process, 72.9% of municipalities started new projects according to the plans. However, 10.1% scrapped one or more projects. Changes in maternal and child healthcare services and promotion of coordination with other related organization were seen more in municipalities with a larger population. There were major differences found between prefectures with regards to the planning process, including the support from public health centers, and the effective use of plan reports, progress management, and changes in maternal and child healthcare services after the formulation of plans.