[Investigation on an outbreak of measles caused by new virus (d11 genotype) imported from Myanmar]
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Published on: August 27, 2019
Yan-kun Pang1, Li-qun Li, Zheng-rong Ding
1Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650022, China.
Objective:
To study the relevant factors on an measles outbreak caused by imported new virus (d11 genotype) from Myanmar and to develop effective strategies and measures.
Methods:
On-site investigation on the outbreak was carried out.
Results:
There were four townships (66%) in Menglian county reported 15 cases of measles, with 7 cases aged 6 months to 5 years old, 2 cases with the history of measles vaccination (MV). Another 8 cases were 21 to 49 year-olds but their histories on immunization were unclear. 14 of the measles cases with Myanmar citizenship came to China for treatment. They were aged 10 months to 13 years old, with only one case had ever received MV vaccination. For all the 29 cases, except for one case who did not adopt the sample case of Myanmar, the remaining 28 patients were positive for measles IgM antibodies. 6 cases of measles virus RNA were detected in the amplified sequence which showed genotype d11, and was considered Myanmar imported wild virus. 184 people received the MV inoculation, with a rate of 61.96% and the serum samples showed a measles IgG antibody positive rate of 87.50%. Manner MV emergency vaccination was carried out timely in that county so the measles outbreak was effectively controlled.
Conclusion:
Imported measles cases from foreign countries might lead to epidemic, indicating the difficulty and challenge in the elimination of measles in our province. Emergent vaccination of MV could interrupt the transmission of the disease. Our experience showed that MV was effective in the prevention of d11 genotypes measles infection in the area.
Insights
Imported measles cases from Myanmar, identified as d11 genotype, caused an outbreak. Measles vaccination (MV) was effective in controlling the spread and preventing d11 genotype infections.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Context:
- Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health challenge, particularly with the emergence of new viral genotypes.
- Imported cases can rapidly spread, highlighting the need for robust surveillance and control measures.
Purpose:
- To investigate the factors contributing to a measles outbreak caused by an imported d11 genotype virus from Myanmar.
- To develop and evaluate effective control strategies, including emergency measles vaccination (MV).
Summary:
- An outbreak in Menglian county involved 29 measles cases, with 14 imported from Myanmar. Genotyping confirmed the d11 genotype, originating from Myanmar.
- The outbreak primarily affected unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals. Emergency measles vaccination (MV) was implemented, achieving a high inoculation rate and antibody-positive response.
- Timely MV emergency vaccination effectively controlled the measles outbreak, demonstrating its efficacy against the imported d11 genotype.
Impact:
- The study underscores the risk of imported measles leading to epidemics and the challenges in measles elimination efforts.
- Emergency measles vaccination (MV) proved effective in interrupting disease transmission and preventing d11 genotype measles infections.
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