MEASLES
OUTBREAK IN CHONGQING IN 1999-2000: IMPLICATIONS FOR A REGIONAL VACCINATION
PROGRAM
Zhou YL, et al.
Division of Infection Control, Children’s
Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences,
Chongqing, China
Objectives:
The aims of the study were to analyse characteristics of measles
cases and to find out procedure to prevent the disease.
Methods: A retrospective review was
undertaken of the clinical and vaccination records of 336 measles cases in
Chongqing Children’s Hospital during 1999-2000. Comparison to last 3
decades measles cases record in the same hospital was made.
Results
Of 336 recorded cases, 114
(33.92%) were infants under 1 year old, 64 (19.05%) were cases between 2 to 3 years old and 158
(47.02%) were above 3 years old and in-school age. Only 22.50% children had
accepted measles vaccination. The results showed that the rate of measles
illness was increase compared to measles children in our hospital in past 14 year (from 1985 to 1998, with 32
measles cases each year), especially on infant and older children.
196 (58.33%) cases happened
in spring, and 109(30.95% in summer. The children came from
countryside and did not get vaccine are more susceptible to the disease. The clinic data showed that the characteristics of the diseases was not
typical and the complication was not serious. All patients showed good treatment results.
Conclusion: There has been a recent
increase in the frequency of infant measles, suggesting an increased
population of infants susceptible to measles before the age of 1.
Increasing the rate of measles vaccination may help suppress future measles
outbreaks and assist in protecting infants until they pass their first
birthday. In addition, the measles immunity of mothers of this generation
is less well developed and they provide less effective passive immunity to their
infants. The measles vaccine for 6 months infancy and for pregnancy women
is important.