Epidemiological analysis of measles in Linfen City and strategies for its control

Objective This study was conducted to develop strategies and measures for the control of measles in the City of Linfen. Methods Analysis was done of the data on measles collected from 2003 to 2005 in Linfen. Results Of the 744 cases of measles, there were 702 cases who were rural population and 72 cases City dwellers, with the incidence 9.75 times higher among rural population than in those in city. The number of measles cases increased year by year with a total of 587 rural cases reported in 2005, which was 10.8 times as many as that in the city in the same period, there being a statistically significant difference in the incidence of measles between the rural areas and the city (P0.05). Conclusion It is seen that the number of measles cases in rural areas increases with years. We suggest that the management of planned immunization in the rural areas be further improved through MV catch-up immunization campaign, strengthened supervision of township hospitals and village clinics, and training of medical personnel there, where the role of local authorities in the leadership and intervention should be brought into full play.