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HK achieves measles-free status

September 21, 2016

The World Health Organisation today confirmed that Hong Kong achieved the interruption of endemic measles virus transmission.

 

The Department of Health welcomed the confirmation from WHO’s Regional Verification Commission for Measles Elimination in the Western Pacific, saying it is an important milestone for measles elimination in Hong Kong.

 

The WHO verifies measles elimination based on the interruption of local transmission for at least 36 months, a standard surveillance system, and the absence of endemic transmission supported by genotyping evidence.

 

Hong Kong’s achievement exemplifies efforts of the healthcare sector and the community in preventing and controlling local measles transmission over the years, the department said.

 

Measles vaccination was incorporated into the Childhood Immunisation Programme back in 1967. In 2012, measles notification rates had declined to a record low of eight cases.

 

That year, a committee was established to monitor the progress towards measles elimination. Hong Kong applied for verification in June this year.

 

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