Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics of Measles and Performance of Measles Surveillance System in Anshan City of Liaoning Province,2014

Objective This study is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Anshan city in 2014,and to provide scientific evidence for making measles elimination strategies and measures.Methods The measles surveillance data in Anshan city in 2014 were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological methods. Results A total of 489 cases of measles were reported in Anshan city in 2014,with an incidence rate of 13. 46 per 100 000 population,which increased by 162 folds than in 2013 and was the highest since 2007. March and June were the peaks of incidence. The incidence in rural and rural-urban areas was higher than in urban areas. The measles cases mainly occurred in people aged 0-1,30-39 and10-14 years. 392( 80. 16%) cases had no or unknown history of measles-containing vaccine( MCV) immunization. The reported incidence rate of discarded measles cases was 18. 26 per 100 000 population,with an adequate investigation rate within 48 h of 99. 91%,a blood specimen collection rate of 96. 70%,a blood specimen delivery rate within 3d of 99. 35% and a timely laboratory result reporting rate within4 d of 98. 25%. 7 measles outbreaks occurred,and all were laboratory confirmed and specimen were collected from 85. 71% outbreak cases for virus detection. Conclusion Measles prevention and control in Anshan city faced a difficult challenge,with a reemerging epidemic of measles in 2014. In order to eliminate measles,it is necessary to maintain a high-quality level of measles surveillance and responses,to increase the frequency of routine immunization service in rural and rural-urban areas,to increase routine immunization coverage and timely coverage of MCV among eligible children,and to conduct MCV supplementary immunization activity among priority population.