Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles before and after measles attenuated live vaccine (MV) supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in Changzhou municipal in 2007-2008 and approach measures of measles elimination.
Methods: Analyze measles epidemiology and control measures with descriptive epidemiology.
Results: After SIAs in Nov.2007, the reported measles incidence was 24.13/100000, and increased by 91.60% in 2008 than in 2007, except Jintan and Liyang town, the others were higher in 2008 than in 2007. The reported measles incidence of 5-9 years old was lower in 2008 than in 2007. However, the reported measles incidence of other age groups was higher. One incidence peak reached 216.92/100000 was found in < 1 year old group and another peak appeared at aged 20-30 years old group. The proportions of measles cases of 8 months-14 years old in 2007 and 2008 were 53.47% and 54.38%. 7.37% and 4.18% of them received MV respectively. The reported cases in 2008 increased and 68.05% of them were floating population.
Conclusions: Low coverage of MVwas the main cause of high measles incidence. It indicated that a timely and strengthened routine vaccination, a high quality SIA, and well organized floating population management and surveillance are essential strategies to eliminate measles.