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THE MEASLES LABORATORY NETWORK IN THE REGION OF THE AMERICAS
Author
Affilliation
Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, Georgia.
Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA.
Pan American Health Organization. Caribbean Epidemiology Centre. Port-au-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies. Panama City, Panama.
National Institute of Health. Bogota, Colombia.
Pan American Health Organization. Washington, DC, USA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, Georgia.
Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA.
Pan American Health Organization. Caribbean Epidemiology Centre. Port-au-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies. Panama City, Panama.
National Institute of Health. Bogota, Colombia.
Pan American Health Organization. Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract
The success of measles eradication depends upon a laboratory network to rapidly analyze samples obtained
as part of surveillance and case investigation. The Pan American Measles Laboratory Network was established
in 1995. Major activities of the 22 participating laboratories include the rapid testing of serum samples to
diagnose measles, analysis and recommendation of techniques to be used in serologic testing, training in virus
isolation, and procurement and distribution of laboratory materials. In addition, a comprehensive qualitycontrol program and an electronic communication network have been developed. Testing for rubella has also
been incorporated. The Network has been crucial to the great progress made toward eradicating measles from
the Western Hemisphere. The priority given to the laboratories in the Network must continue in order to
ensure that the eradication goal is reached and that validation of the interruption of endemic transmission
of measles is documented.
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