Genetic diversity of wild-type measles viruses and the global measles nucleotide surveillance database (‎MeaNS)

Overview

Genetic characterization of circulating wild-type measles viruses is critical for achievement of the measles elimination targets set by the Global Vaccine Action Plan in 2012. Measles laboratory surveillance and molecular epidemiological studies provide evidence needed for regional verification of elimination. Measles elimination is defined as the absence of endemic measles transmission in a defined geographical area (e.g. country or regions) for ≥12 months in the presence of a wellperforming surveillance system. The WHO framework for the verification of elimination of measles and rubella includes a review of epidemiological and laboratory data. To verify the interruption of endemic measles virus transmission in a country or region, viral sequence analysis combined with thorough case investigations are needed to document the absence of endemic genotype(s).