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Measles epidemics in Kerman City, Iran
M Janghorbani1, M H Daie Parizi, K Ghorbani
1Department of Community Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Public Health
|March 1, 1993
Summary
A 1990 measles outbreak in Kerman City affected primarily children, with low vaccine efficacy suggesting cold chain issues. Improving immunization coverage is crucial, alongside developing a single-dose vaccine for infants under nine months.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles outbreaks pose significant public health risks, particularly in populations with suboptimal immunization coverage.
- Understanding disease transmission dynamics and vaccine effectiveness is critical for outbreak control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of a measles outbreak in Kerman City, Iran, in early 1990.
- To assess measles-related morbidity, mortality, and vaccine efficacy during the outbreak.
- To identify factors contributing to the outbreak and inform future prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case identification and analysis of 745 measles cases in Kerman City.
- Calculation of age-specific attack rates and case fatality ratio.
- Assessment of vaccine efficacy using available immunization records.
Main Results:
- The outbreak primarily affected children under 15 years, with 745 cases and a case fatality ratio of 5.4 per thousand.
- Severe complications included pneumonia, otitis, and gastroenteritis, leading to hospitalization in 1.9% of cases.
- Calculated vaccine efficacy was 88%, suggesting potential issues with the cold chain or vaccine quality.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak was linked to low immunization coverage over the preceding decade.
- There is a need to enhance vaccine coverage with existing vaccines.
- An effective single-dose measles vaccine for infants under nine months is urgently required.