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Measles outbreak in Andalusia, Spain, January to August 2011

Jm Mayoral Cortes1, E Perez Morilla, V Gallardo Garcia

  • 1Regional Ministry of Health of the Government of Andalusia, Seville, Spain. josem.mayoral.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|October 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A 2011 measles outbreak in Spain, primarily affecting children, resulted in 1,759 cases. Genotype D4 measles virus was common, with significant age-related differences in clustered versus non-clustered cases.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics and demographic impacts is crucial for effective control strategies.

Observation:

  • A measles outbreak occurred in southern Spain starting in late 2010/early 2011, originating in a Roma community.
  • The outbreak spread across Andalusia, affecting multiple towns and resulting in 1,759 confirmed or probable cases.
  • Hospitalization was required for 19% of cases, with Measles virus genotype D4 identified in over half.

Findings:

  • Clustered measles cases were significantly more prevalent in the 5-14 year-old age group (p<0.0001).
  • Non-clustered cases were more common in individuals over 29 years old.
  • Transmission patterns varied, with some areas experiencing widespread disease and others limited secondary cases.

Implications:

  • The findings highlight the vulnerability of younger populations to clustered measles transmission.
  • Targeted public health interventions and vaccination campaigns are essential for vulnerable communities.
  • Genotype surveillance is important for tracking measles virus evolution and spread.

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