Age distribution of measles cases and related factors in Anhui, 2014

Objective To analysis the age distribution of measles cases and related factors in Anhui province in 2014, and provide evidence for measles prevention and control. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted by using the incidence data of measles in Anhui in 2014. Results A total of 1005 measles cases were reported in 2014, the cases without measles immunization histories accounted for 59.60% of the total. The cases in age groups 8 months, 8-17 months, 20-34 years accounted for 24.78%, 29.05%, 25.07%, respectively. The incidence of measles increased with age. Less cases occurred in children born in measles season. There were 8 cases occurring in mothers and children, including 6 infections from the mothers to children, 2 infections from children to mothers. The male to female ratio was 1.56:1. The incidence was higher in males than in females in younger age group, but the incidence was higher in females than in males in older age group (2=5.07, P=0.024). Most cases in northern Anhui occurred in younger age group, but most cases in southern Anhui occurred in older age group. Among 292 cases in age group 8-17 months, 204 received no measles vaccination, accounting for 69.86%, 66 received measles vaccine, accounting for 22.60%, 22 had unknown immunization histories. Among the measles cases in age group 18 months, 71.15% had exposure in hospitals 7-21 days before the onset. Conclusion The goal of elimination of measles cannot be reached only depending on vaccination strategy. It is necessary to take the measure of both vaccination and blocking transmission to control the incidence of measles.