Risk of Measles, Mumps, and Varicella among Young Adults: A Serosurvey of US Navyand Marine Corps Recruits. (Reannouncement with New Availability Information)

摘要

Despite great progress in the United States over the last several decades incontrolling vaccine-preventable illnesses, recent increases in the incidence of measles and mumps-including epidemics-have occurred, especially among inner-city children and young adult populations. These viral illnesses also continue to have considerable military importance. In addition, varicella, a serious illness in adults, may also be increasing in incidence, particularly in military populations. Recruits enter the service from all areas of the country and most are between 17 and 19 years old, an age group at high risk in the civilian setting for measles, mumps, and varicella. Because these viral illnesses may have a great impact on health, training time, and overall military readiness, especially in the recruit setting, and because their importance is increasing in the civilian population, a serosurvey was conducted to guide immunization policy. In addition, demographic factors and other information related to individuals' previous disease and vaccination history were evaluated as potential predictors of antibody status.