[Classification of measles control situation in different areas of China]

Based on initial description of measles epidemiology, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied to analyze the epidemiological pattern of measles in China. Several indicators of socioeconomic status, epidemiological characteristics of measles, as well as status of EPI performance were selected as creteria for classification. It was demonstrated that four groups could be identified as undercontrol, moderate, less advanced and poor areas in terms of the status of measles controlled program. Different strategies were recommanded for different groups. For the undercontrol areas, establishment of measles surveillance system should be prioritized. For the moderate epidemic areas, supplemental immunization should be considered while measles surveillance system is initiated. In the less advanced areas, supplemental immunization and strengthening outbreak response activities should be considered. For poor areas, routine measles immunization needs further improvement to reduce outbreaks.