Risk Factors for Measles Outbreak in Pune City: A Case-Control Study
A S Ajinsha1, Malangori Abdulgani Parande2, Ashish Bharati3
1Junior Resident II, Department of Community Medicine, B. J. Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Background:
The first case of measles outbreak in Pune was reported on November 14, 2022; since then, there were a total of 266 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Objectives:
The objective is to find out risk factors associated with measles during an outbreak in Pune city.
Material And Methods:
This was a 1:1 unmatched case-control study conducted from February 2023 to September 2023 in PMC. Cases were immunoglobulin M-positive laboratory-confirmed measles cases and a control was any child who did not have any rash in the study period and not living in the same household with a case. Face-to-face interview of cases and controls were carried out by visiting houses to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and immunization history, including Vitamin A supplementation. The sample size was 200.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference among the mean age of cases (53.18 ± 18.08) and controls (30.08 ± 18.08). Father's and mother's education, immunization, and Vitamin A supplementation were also significant. Those who had not received any dose of measles-rubella (MR) vaccine had a higher chance of having infection with an odds ratio of 3.093 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37-4.037) and those who were partially immunized with 1 dose of MR showed odds ratio of 2.027 (95% CI: 1.328-3.096) for having measles infection. COVID-19 lockdown was the reason given by majority (29.3%) for unimmunized of the measles vaccine.
Conclusions:
In this study, the main cause of this measles outbreak was under immunization. It is important to maintain high levels of under 5 immunization even during emergencies to prevent future measles outbreaks.
Insights
Low measles-rubella (MR) vaccination rates, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown, fueled a significant measles outbreak in Pune. Maintaining high immunization coverage is crucial to prevent future outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Immunization Practices
Background:
- A measles outbreak in Pune, reported from November 14, 2022, resulted in 266 cases within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
- Understanding the specific risk factors driving this outbreak is essential for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key risk factors associated with measles infection during the Pune outbreak.
- To inform targeted strategies for controlling and preventing future measles transmission.
Main Methods:
- A 1:1 unmatched case-control study was conducted in PMC from February to September 2023.
- Laboratory-confirmed measles cases (immunoglobulin M-positive) were compared with controls (children without rash).
- Data on sociodemographics, immunization history, and Vitamin A supplementation were collected via face-to-face interviews (n=200).
Main Results:
- Unimmunized children had a significantly higher odds of measles infection (OR=3.093) compared to fully immunized children.
- Partially immunized children (1 dose MR vaccine) also showed increased odds (OR=2.027).
- Factors like parental education, Vitamin A supplementation, and measles-rubella (MR) vaccination status were statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Under-immunization was identified as the primary driver of the measles outbreak in Pune.
- Maintaining high under-5 immunization rates, even during emergencies like the COVID-19 lockdown, is critical.
- Strengthening routine immunization programs is vital to prevent future measles outbreaks.
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