Epidemiological characteristics of measles in Xiuzhou district of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, 2004 - 2008

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Xiuzhou district of Jiaxing and explore the reasonable measles prevention and control strategy to reach the goal of eliminate or almost eliminate measles around 2012 set by the Ministry of Health. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of measles cases in Xiuzhou district from 2004 - 2008. The measles cases included laboratory confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases. Results A total of 445 measles cases occurred during this period. The incidence rate in 2005 was highest (40.70/lakh), and the incidence rate in 2004 was lowest (7.47/lakh). Incidence peak was during March-May. Totally 165 cases were the children under 5 years old (37.08%), 158 cases were the people aged 20 years (63.45%). The cases were more likely to occur among young children and adults. The cases among local residents and floating population accounted for 55.96% and 44.04% respectively. Conclusion It is important to conduct 2 dose measles vaccination, provide second opportunity to those who missed the vaccination and conduct supplementary immunization activity of measles before the incidence peak and after the returning of floating population to reach the goal of measles elimination.