Rotavirus mortality fell in Mexico after vaccine introduction

Efforts to deliver rotavirus vaccine to all regions of Mexico led to significant reductions in diarrhea-associated deaths, according to study data published online.

Paul A. Gastañaduy, MD, MPH, of the Epidemic Intelligence Service and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, and colleagues used national vital statistics to evaluate deaths associated with diarrheal illness in children aged younger than 5 years in the 4 years before and after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine into Mexico in 2007.

Taking into consideration concerns about variation in rotavirus vaccine efficacy by socioeconomic status, the investigators compared reductions in diarrhea mortality in the lesser developed Southern region vs. the more developed Northern and Central regions of Mexico.

Results of the study revealed that areas of northern Mexico reported a 45% drop in mortality; central Mexico reported a 55% decrease in mortality; and southern Mexico had a 43% decrease in mortality as vaccination coverage increased in those areas, the researchers wrote.

After vaccine introduction, marked and sustained declines in diarrhea deaths were seen among children in all regions of Mexico, including in the least developed Southern region where the highest baseline diarrhea mortality was reported.

“Equitable vaccine delivery to children with varying risk of mortality and reaffirms the beneficial effects of rotavirus vaccination against fatal diarrheal disease,” the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: Gastañaduy reports no relevant financial disclosures.