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Measles outbreaks can countries cost millions, highlighting the importance of immunization

A large measles outbreak in the Netherlands in 2013-14 resulted in 2700 cases of disease and cost an estimated US$4.7 million — or US$1,739 per case. Costs included outbreak response (including vaccination and enhanced surveillance), the cost of treatment (primarily hospitalizations), and the loss of productivity among caregivers ($365,000, less than 8% of total costs). Due to the likely under-reporting of the disease, the actual costs could be nearly 20% greater ($5.6 million).

Full Citation:
Suijkerbuijk AWM, Wondenberg T, Hahne SJM et al.. 2015. Economic costs of measles outbreak in the Netherlands, 2013-2014. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 21(11).

Title of Article: Economic costs of measles outbreak in the Netherlands, 2013-2014

Author(s): Suijkerbuijk AWM, Wondenberg T, Hahne SJM et al.

Publication Year: 2015

Publication Name: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Publication Volume: 21(11)

Publication Source URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622243/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.3201/eid2111.150410

Topics: Economics & Return on Investment

Disease Vaccines: Measles

Countries: Netherlands

WHO Regions: Europe