Measles outbreak in Tanzania, 2006-2007

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health threat, particularly in areas with suboptimal vaccination coverage.
• Understanding transmission dynamics and risk factors is crucial for effective outbreak control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a measles outbreak in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• To identify risk factors associated with measles infection and determine vaccine effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of surveillance data.
• Development of a measles susceptibility profile.
• Conducting a case-control study.

Main Results:

• The age distribution of cases showed peaks in unvaccinated and partially vaccinated groups.
• Key risk factors included unvaccinated status (aOR=5.7) and receiving one vaccine dose versus two (aOR=2.4).
• Measles vaccine effectiveness was 88% for one dose and 96% for two doses.

Conclusions:

• Vaccination is critical for preventing measles.
• Two doses of the measles vaccine provide superior protection compared to a single dose.
• Targeted vaccination strategies are essential for controlling measles outbreaks.