Epidemiological characteristics of measles in Xinjiang, 2012–2018

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of measles in Xinjiang from 2012 to 2018.

MethodsDescriptive epidemiologic method was used to analyze the incidence data of measles collected from Chinese Disease Surveillance Information Reporting System.

ResultsA total of 9 817 measles cases, including 24 deaths, were reported in Xinjiang from 2012 to 2018. The incidence of measles was in increase since 2012 and peaked in 2016. The reported incidence was 12.09/100 000. The incidence of measles declined in 2017 and 2018, and the incidence rate was lowest in 2018 (0.36/100 000). The measles cases were mainly distributed in Kashgar, Hetian, Kezhou, Aksu, Urumqi and Yili in Xinjiang, accounting for 71.48% of the total cases. The annual incidence peak of measles was during March-June. In 2016, the measles incidence began to increase in November and December, and peaked in January and February in 2017. From 2012 to 2018,The cases proportions in age groups 8 months and 8–17 months decreased, the case proportions in age groups 18–47 months and 15–39 years showed no significant change, and the case proportions in age groups 4–14 years and ≥40 years increased year by year. In children aged 8–23 months, 20.94% had one dose of measles immunization, 1.40% had two doses of measles immunization. In children aged 2–6 years, 14.73% had one dose of measles immunization, 21.30% had two doses of measles immunization, and the proportions of the cases receiving no measles immunization and with unknown immunization status were 51.93% and 25.86% respectively; From 2012 to 2018, 2 595 measles cases (26.43%) had complications.

Conclusion Measles incidence declined year by year from 2016 to 2018 in Xinjiang, but areas or populations at high risk still existed. We should improve routine immunization coverage rate and timely immunization rate (＞95%) for measles, vaccination certificate checking for school and kindergarten entrances and strengthen measles epidemiology and laboratory testing to achieve the goal of eliminating measles.