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EpiReview: Measles in NSW, 2002-2011

Alexander Rosewell1, Tracie Reinten-Reynolds, Paula J Spokes

  • 1Health Protection NSW. arosw@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

New South Wales Public Health Bulletin
|February 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Measles outbreaks in NSW, though rare, are linked to international travel. Maintaining high childhood vaccination rates and clinician awareness is crucial for continued measles control.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

  • Measles has been eliminated in New South Wales (NSW) for over a decade.
  • Outbreaks continue to occur, primarily associated with international travel.
  • Sustaining measles elimination requires ongoing surveillance and control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiology of measles in NSW between 2002 and 2011.
  • To identify measles genotypes circulating in the region.
  • To inform strategies for maintaining measles control.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of measles notifications in NSW from 2002-2011.
  • Analysis of notification rates and hospitalisation data.
  • Genotyping of measles virus specimens to identify circulating strains.

Main Results:

  • 281 measles cases were notified, with an average annual rate of 0.41 per 100,000 population.
  • 139 hospitalisations were recorded (0.20 per 100,000 population).
  • Five genotypes (D9, D8, D4, D5, H1) were identified, with no single genotype linked to sustained local transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Continued vigilance is necessary to prevent measles resurgence.
  • Timely routine childhood immunisation and vaccination for international travellers are essential.
  • Clinician awareness is vital for early detection and control of outbreaks to prevent further transmission.

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