Analysis for epidemiological characteristics of measles in Shantou during 2004-2009

OBJECTIVE To analyze epidemiological characteristics of measles in Shantou during 2004-2009 to provide evidence for formulating strategies and measures to eliminate measles.METHODS Data of measles were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.RESULTS During 2004 and 2009,a total of 2 069 cases of measles were reported in Shantou and annual incidence of measles averaged 6.91 per hundred thousand.The peak of measles occurred in April to July,accounting for 61.09 percent of the total.District of Chaonan,Chaoyang and Chenghai ranked the top three places of the district in measles incidence,accounting for 26.44%,25.13% and 17.01%,respectively.People aged 1-6 years and 15-40 years had highest incidence.According to the analysis of vaccine immunization history of measles cases,13.8% had measles vaccine immunization history,51.5% were not immunized,and 34.7% had unknown immunization history.CONCLUSION Regular immunization with measles vaccine should be strengthened with supplementary immunization at suitable time.It is effective way to eliminate measles by increasing immunization coverage in adults and migrant workers from rural areas and enhancing its surveillance.