Epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang,2013-2014

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang province, and provide evidence for the development of specific measles prevention and control strategies.Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted.Results Totally 37 measles outbreaks, involving 123 cases, were reported in Zhejiang during 2013-2014. Among these outbreaks, 18 were family clustering(48.65%), 14 affected mothers and children(37.84%) and 13 were mother to child transmissions(35.14%). The interval between the first measles case and the second case was 7 days in 2/3 family clustering. Emergency vaccination was conducted for all the 37 outbreaks, a total of 13 536 persons were vaccinated, averagely 366 persons for each outbreak. Emergency vaccination was conducted averagely 6 days before the last case report. The outbreaks were classified according the case number 3 cases or not. The difference in the interval between the last case report and emergency vaccination had statistical significance.Conclusion Family clustering was the major form of measles outbreaks in Zhejiang, and most infection was caused by mother to child transmission. Each outbreak involved limited cases. Timely response and emergency vaccination had been conducted before the report of measles outbreaks. According to the measles outbreak characteristics in Zhejiang, it is suggested to conduct measles containing vaccine immunization in adults and child-bearing aged women.