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.
Indian Journal of Public Health
|September 18, 2025
Summary
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
492
In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
492
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
5.1K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.1K
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
13.3K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.3K
01:26Introduction to Epidemiology
1.7K
Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...
1.7K
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
1.3K
Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
1.3K
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
466
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
466