International journal of epidemiology
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Infections may be involved in some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exposure to such infections is likely to differ considerably between areas depending on rates of population mixing. It is therefore possible that the geography of SIDS will reflect that of population migration. ⋯ It is concluded that geographical variations in SIDS deaths in England and Wales are strongly associated with differences in rates of population mixing as measured by migration. The findings support the hypothesis that population mixing, by its influence on exposure to infections, may be a significant factor in the aetiology of SIDS.
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To improve measles control in Kinshasa, Zaire, a project to increase vaccine coverage was begun in 1988, and in 1989, the city vaccination programme changed measles vaccination policy from Schwartz vaccine at age 9 months to medium titre Edmonston Zagreb (EZ) vaccine at age 6 months. We report the impact of the programme on measles incidence and mortality. ⋯ Measles can be controlled in urban areas, although it is difficult to determine how great a contribution vaccination at age 6 months makes over and above the achievement of high coverage.
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In general females have a lower mortality than males at all ages. Excess female mortality has been documented in certain high mortality situations, in particular in South Asia. However, females may have a higher mortality for certain causes of death. One of the causes of death for which excess female mortality is suspected is measles. ⋯ When pooled together, the results show an excess of female mortality from birth until age 50 years. The excess female mortality appears small at age 0-4 (+4.2%), larger at age 5-14 (+10.9%) and peaks during the female reproductive period, at age 15-44 (+42.6%). This pattern of excess female mortality occurs in all the major regions of the world: Europe, North and South America, Far-East Asia, the Middle East and South Asia. The only noticeable exceptions are the Philippines and Thailand. The validity of the finding is extensively reviewed. Emphasis lies on the statistical power to prove that sex differences in measles mortality do exist, on the critical analysis of a case study in England and Wales, on the comparison with the overall pattern of sex differences and on available data on sex differences in incidence. Possible explanations are reviewed.