Study on the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Taiyuan from 1994 to 2005

Objective The study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and cause of measles in Taiyuan during 1994 to 2005 and provide scientific bases for preventive and control strategies.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed on the surveillance data on measles in Taiyuan from 1994 to 2005.Results The incidence peak of measles remained in winter and spring and the peak lasted from March to June.Measles cases were reported all the ten counties administrated by Taiyuan city.Higher incidence rate was observed in specific counties or districts.The incidence rate in men was higher than in women.All ages were affected,while cases of infants below one year old were mostly observed with an ascending trend by year.Epidemic outbreak of adult measles in fluid population sometimes occurred and would influence the incidence rate in the city.Conclusion The coverage and quality of routine immunization of measles vaccine should be strengthened,particularly in previously neglected areas and weak links.Timely immunity among the target population should be performed to eliminate immunization-gaps and improve the immunity level of the population.The immune preventive management should also be enhanced in junior and senior high school and college students and the floating population.