Measles epidemiological profile in Brasil from 2013 to 2018

BACKGROUND To determine the epidemiological profile of measles in Brasil from 2013 to 2018, and to evaluate the possible association between increased number of cases and vaccination coverage. METHODS This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with quantitative approach, carried out through analysis of secondary data collected through the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), in the National Immunization Program (PNI). RESULTS The total number of reported cases was 10,886, with the year 2018 having the highest number (10,185). In the North macro-region (93.4%), male (55.53%), autochthonous cases from the city of residence (94.42%) and laboratory confirmation (99.09%) predominated. Regarding the age group, it was observed that in the period from 2013 to 2015 the highest prevalence occurred in <1 year, with 44.5%, 40.6% and 29.0%, respectively, while in 2018, the highest rate was in the 20-29 age group with 24.2%. Vaccination coverage was below 95%, except for SCR - D1 (first dose of triple viral) in the years 2013 to 2016. Regarding the outcome, there was a limited number of deaths secondary to measles (0.12%). CONCLUSIONS There was an exponential growth in the number of measles cases in Brasil in 2018, which represents a public health problem. In view of this, it is necessary to implement measures such as broad vaccination coverage and sanitary control at the borders, in order to reduce the incidence of this disease and, consequently, the number of deaths.