Impact of nationwide measles vaccination campaign among children aged 9 months to 14 years, Zimbabwe, 1998-2001

J Infect Dis. 2003 May 15:187 Suppl 1:S91-6. doi: 10.1086/368116.

Abstract

Zimbabwe (population 11,365,000) introduced nationwide one-dose measles vaccination in 1981. This strategy reached 70%-80% of infants <1 year of age over the next two decades; in 1998, a nationwide supplemental immunization activity (SIA) targeting all children aged 9 months to 14 years achieved 93% coverage. Surveillance data were examined to determine the impact of these strategies. During 1985-1997, there were 8529-49,812 measles cases annually. After the SIA, laboratory confirmation of the first 5 outbreak cases and all sporadic cases was required. In 1999 and 2000, 1343 (88%) of 1534 suspected cases had adequate specimens submitted and 28 (2%) were measles IgM positive. In 2001, of 529 suspected cases, 513 (97%) had adequate specimens and only 7 (1%) were measles IgM positive. These data suggest that indigenous measles transmission in Zimbabwe has been interrupted and that high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity does not hinder vaccination-induced measles control. High vaccination coverage obtained through the routine health care system supplemented by periodic follow-up SIAs will be required to maintain low transmission levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Mass Vaccination / methods*
  • Mass Vaccination / standards
  • Measles / epidemiology
  • Measles / prevention & control*
  • Measles Vaccine / administration & dosage*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Zimbabwe / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Measles Vaccine