Epidemiological characteristics of measles in Shaoxing county of Zhejiang province,2000-2009

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Shaoxing from 2000 to 2009 and provide evidence for the development of measles elimination strategies and measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of measles reported through notifiable communicable disease reporting system and measles surveillance system. Results A total of 1008 measles cases were reported in Shaoxing during this period,the average annual incidence was 11.15/lakh. The incidence peak was during March-June of a year. The disease mainly occurred in the area where floating population lived. Among the age group of5 years old,the incidence was highest in children aged1 years,and Among the age group of ≥15 years old,the incidence was highest in people aged 20-25 years. Conclusion Low coverage of routine measles vaccination and low vaccination rate of the first dose vaccine were the main causes of the high incidence of measles in young children. The effective way to control and eliminate measles is increasing the measles vaccination coverage in susceptible population and conducting the supplementary immunization activity of measles in risk targeted population at suitable time.