Otani Naruhito, Okuno Toshiomi, Tsuchida Toshie, Ishikawa Kaori, Ichiki Kaoru, Ueda Takashi, Higasa Satoshi, Nakajima Kazuhiko
Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan.
Department of Public Health, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan.
Viruses. 2025 Jun 17;17(6):861. doi: 10.3390/v17060861.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and remains a global health challenge despite the availability of effective vaccines. Although many regions have successfully eliminated measles, outbreaks continue to occur owing to vaccine hesitancy, inadequate coverage, and imported cases. Differences in epidemiology, vaccination policies, and immunity assessment influence measles control across countries. This paper compares measles epidemiology, vaccination policies, and immunity assessment approaches in the United States and Japan. Data were obtained from surveillance reports, national immunization programs, and peer-reviewed literature. The introduction of the measles vaccine led to substantial reductions in incidence. The United States eliminated measles in 2000 but continues to experience outbreaks due to vaccine hesitancy and imported cases. Japan implemented a two-dose policy in 2006, reducing case numbers; however, sporadic outbreaks among adults persist. In the United States, immunity is primarily assessed using documented vaccination history, whereas in Japan, enzyme immunoassay is commonly used to evaluate immunity status. Despite progress in measles elimination, achieving high vaccination coverage and addressing vaccine hesitancy remain critical challenges. Variations in immunity assessment methods impact surveillance accuracy and outbreak control. Strengthening international collaboration, standardizing assessment protocols, and enhancing public health education are crucial for sustained measles elimination.
麻疹是一种高度传染性的病毒性疾病，尽管有有效的疫苗，但仍然是一项全球卫生挑战。尽管许多地区已成功消除麻疹，但由于疫苗犹豫、接种覆盖率不足和输入性病例，疫情仍不断发生。各国在流行病学、疫苗接种政策和免疫评估方面的差异影响着麻疹控制工作。本文比较了美国和日本的麻疹流行病学、疫苗接种政策和免疫评估方法。数据来自监测报告、国家免疫规划和同行评审文献。麻疹疫苗的引入使发病率大幅下降。美国于2000年消除了麻疹，但由于疫苗犹豫和输入性病例，仍不断出现疫情。日本于2006年实施了两剂次接种政策，病例数有所减少；然而，成人中的散发病例仍然存在。在美国，主要通过记录的疫苗接种史评估免疫力，而在日本，酶免疫测定法通常用于评估免疫状态。尽管在消除麻疹方面取得了进展，但实现高接种覆盖率和应对疫苗犹豫仍然是关键挑战。免疫评估方法的差异影响监测准确性和疫情控制。加强国际合作、规范评估方案和加强公共卫生教育对于持续消除麻疹至关重要。
