Measles and Rubella during COVID-19 Pandemic: Future Challenges in Japan

Kazuki Shimizu, Ayaka Teshima and Hiromi Mase
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Kazuki Shimizu: Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, Cowdray House, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
Ayaka Teshima: Faculty of Medicine, School of PUBLIC Health, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
Hiromi Mase: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London EC1E 7HB, UK

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted essential health services. Simultaneously, it has created opportunities for citizens to raise awareness of personal hygiene, mask wearing, and other preventive measures. This brief report aims to clarify the epidemiological trends of measles and rubella in Japan and to explore future challenges for controlling these diseases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Japan eliminated measles in 2015, the number of measles patients has gradually increased since then, and reached 744 in 2019. In the 2010s, Japan experienced two large rubella epidemics, and the majority of the patients were reported in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas. While the transmission of measles and rubella seems to be suppressed during the COVID-19 pandemic, closing the gap in routine childhood vaccination will be challenging in any country. Moreover, supplementary immunization campaigns for adults have also been disrupted, and they must be invigorated. While the pandemic has a devastating effect on a global scale, it should be utilized as a good opportunity to regain faith in vaccines, implement an evidence-based vaccination policy, and strengthen international cooperation.

Keywords: infectious disease policy; measles; rubella; importation; hygiene; immunization; health service delivery; mass gathering; COVID-19; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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