EpiReview: Measles in NSW, 2002-2011

Measles has been eliminated in NSW for more than a decade; however outbreaks associated with international travel do occur. This EpiReview describes the epidemiology of measles in NSW from 2002-2011. A total of 281 cases of measles were notified during the period, an average annual notification rate of 0.41 notifications per 100 000 population (range: 0.06-1.25). There were 139 hospitalisations recorded with a measles diagnosis in the 10-year reporting period, corresponding to a rate of 0.20 hospitalisations per 100 000 population. Of the 80 measles virus specimens genotyped, five genotypes were identified: D9 (38%), D8 (24%), D4 (16%), D5 (14%) with H1 identified less frequently (9%). No single genotype was associated with local transmission across successive years. To sustain good measles control, children should be vaccinated against measles on time through routine childhood immunisation, and all young adults who travel internationally should be vaccinated. Clinician awareness remains important in the early identification and control of measles to avoid further transmission during outbreaks and to enable the timely implementation of public health measures.