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Biomedical subjects

B Irons

Publications and source records attributed to B Irons.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Strategies to eradicate rubella in the English-speaking Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: This report presents the strategies used to eradicate rubella in the Caribbean region and the challenges faced by that effort. METHODS: Using the surveillance system for measles cases that was instituted in all countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), 12 countries confirmed cases of rubella between 1992 and 1996. Rubella infections occurred in epidemic proportions in 6 countries during that period. RESULTS: On the basis of the rubella prevalence data, rubella-congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) cost-benefit analysis, and cost-effectiveness of the mass campaign, the Council for Human and Social Development of CARICOM resolved, on April 21, 1998, that every effort would be made to eradicate rubella, as well as to prevent the occurrence of new cases of CRS by the end of 2000. Using the Pan American Health Organization's template for measles eradication, CARICOM proposed and implemented the main strategies for rubella and CRS eradication, and rubella mass campaigns were conducted in 18 countries. The target population, which included males and females (aged 20-40 years), was approximately 2.2 million. CONCLUSION: The major challenges for rubella eradication are attaining high vaccine coverage in the adult population and maintaining an effective surveillance system able to detect rubella activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Epidemiology of Haemophilus influenzae invasive disease in Jamaica, 1990-1993.

Haemophilus influenzae (H influenzae) invasive disease was studied retrospectively over a four-year period in children admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston, Jamaica. A total of 86 cases were identified. The mean estimated annual incidence of H influenzae invasive disease in Kingston and St Andrew was 39 per 100,000 children under 5 years of age. The majority (77%) of cases were in the under 2-year age group. A distinct seasonal pattern was noted, with a significantly higher proportion of patients (57-73%) presenting in the cooler months. Meningitis was the most common clinical diagnosis, accounting for 76% of the cases. Poor outcome was demonstrated in 21.5% of patients with meningitis. Sensitivity testing of H influenzae isolates revealed a resistance rate of 26% for ampicillin and 7% for chloramphenicol. The epidemiological findings in this study provide reasonable guidelines for empiric antibiotic therapy and also support the need to seriously consider vaccine prophylaxis in Jamaican children.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

Jamaica's measles elimination experience.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the effort to eliminate measles from Jamaica and its impact on measles incidence. METHODS: In addition to routine measles vaccination, the Jamaican Ministry of Health implemented a strategy of a 1-time-only catch-up vaccination campaign, conducted in 1991, and periodic follow-up campaigns, the first of which occurred in 1995. RESULTS: Since 1991, despite careful surveillance, no serologically confirmed indigenous cases of measles have occurred in Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS: Measles virus circulation has been interrupted in Jamaica. The Jamaican experience provides further evidence that global measles eradication is achievable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Registration of births, stillbirths and infant deaths in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: Vital statistics underestimate the prevalence of perinatal and infant deaths. This is particularly significant when these parameters affect eligibility for international assistance for newly emerging nations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of registration of livebirths, stillbirths and infant deaths in Jamaica. METHODOLOGY: Births, stillbirths and neonatal deaths identified during a cross-sectional study (1986); and infant deaths identified in six parishes (1993) were matched to vital registration documents filed with the Registrar General. RESULTS: While 94% of livebirths were registered by one year of age (1986), only 13% of stillbirths (1986) and 25% of infant deaths (1993) were registered. Post neonatal deaths were more likely to be registered than early neonatal deaths. Frequently the birth was not registered when the infant died. Birth registration rates were highest in parishes with high rates of hospital deliveries (rs = 0.97, P < 0.001) where institutions notify the registrar of each birth. Hospital deaths, however, were less likely to be registered than community deaths as registrars are not automatically notified of these deaths. CONCLUSIONS: To improve vital registration, institutions should become registration centres for all vital events occurring there (births, stillbirths, deaths). Recommendations aimed at modernizing the vital registration system in Jamaica and other developing countries are also made.

Birth Certificates↗