Top 5 Takeaways

1. Measles Cases Among Evacuees: Forty-seven measles cases were reported among 72,299 Afghan evacuees, resulting in an attack rate of 0.065%.
2. Mass Vaccination Campaign: A high-coverage mass vaccination campaign achieved 96% coverage with the MMR vaccine, crucial for limiting measles spread.
3. Rapid Response: The coordinated response involved increased surveillance, case investigations, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts both overseas and domestically.
4. Quarantine Measures: Evacuees were recommended to remain in quarantine for 21 days post-vaccination to prevent further spread.
5. Policy and Public Health Implications: The response highlighted the importance of mass vaccination in controlling measles spread and preventing transmission into U.S. communities.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Nina B. Masters, nmasters@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Masters NB, Mathis AD, Leung J, et al. Public Health Actions to Control Measles Among Afghan Evacuees During Operation Allies Welcome — United States, September–November 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:592–596. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7117a2

Summary

The article discusses the public health response to measles cases among Afghan evacuees during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) from September to November 2021. A total of 47 measles cases were reported among 72,299 evacuees. The response included a high-coverage mass vaccination campaign with the MMR vaccine, achieving 96% coverage, and quarantine measures to prevent further spread. The coordinated efforts successfully limited measles importations and prevented transmission into U.S. communities.

Methods

The methodologies included increased measles surveillance, case investigations, contact tracing, and a mass vaccination campaign. Evacuees were monitored at domestic military bases, international airports, and a contracted hotel. Vaccination efforts were conducted both overseas and domestically, with a focus on achieving high coverage among the evacuee population.

Discussion

The discussion highlights the effectiveness of the mass vaccination campaign in controlling measles spread among evacuees and preventing transmission into U.S. communities. The response underscores the importance of prompt public health actions and mass vaccination in managing measles outbreaks, especially in populations with low vaccination coverage. The challenges of contact tracing and monitoring exposed individuals were also noted.

Conclusion

The rapid implementation of a high-coverage mass measles vaccination campaign, along with quarantine measures, effectively reduced measles importations and prevented substantial spread on military bases and into U.S. communities. The response demonstrated the critical role of mass vaccination in controlling infectious disease outbreaks among evacuee populations.

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