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Imported measles and implications for its elimination in Taiwan
Wen-Yueh Cheng1, Chen-Fu Yang, Yu-Ting Hou
1Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan. yueh@cdc.gov.tw
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 2, 2011
Summary
An outbreak of 53 measles cases in Taiwan between November 2008 and May 2009 was analyzed. Genetic analysis identified 8 clusters, with most cases linked to imported measles virus strains.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles outbreaks pose significant public health challenges.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and transmission patterns of measles virus is crucial for control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic characteristics and transmission dynamics of a measles outbreak in Taiwan.
- To identify the sources and genotypes of measles virus responsible for the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of measles cases reported in Taiwan from November 2008 to May 2009.
- Viral RNA extraction and sequencing for genotyping of measles virus isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to cluster cases and infer transmission pathways.
Main Results:
- A total of 53 measles cases were reported, with 50 cases forming 8 distinct transmission clusters.
- Seven different H1 genotypes were identified, indicating multiple importations of the virus.
- One G3 genotype was detected, but its source could not be traced.
Conclusions:
- The measles outbreak in Taiwan was characterized by multiple introductions of the virus, primarily with H1 genotypes.
- Genetic analysis was effective in elucidating the transmission clusters and identifying the origins of the outbreak.
- The presence of an untraceable G3 genotype highlights the potential for cryptic transmission and the need for enhanced surveillance.
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