Epidemiological characteristics and related factors of measles outbreak in Urumqi in Xinjiang, 2007-2008

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics measles outbreak in Urumqi from 2007 to 2008 and provide evidence to improve measles prevention and control. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the measles outbreak from November 2007 to June 2008 in Urumqi and 1∶2 case-control study was conducted to analyze the risk factors. Results The incidence was highest (773/lakh) in children group aged 0-4 years, 92% of them were outside child care settings. The incidence in age group of 15-30 years (169/lakh) was lower than in age group of 0-4 years. The cases in students accounted for 40%. The exposure in hospitals was the main infection source in the age groups of 0-8 months and18 years. The missing of MV vaccination was the main factor to the infection in the age group of 8 months- 17 years. Conclusion Hospital exposure and missing MV vaccination were the main risk factors of the measles outbreak, so it is essential is to prevent the measles transmission in hospitals and conduct measles vaccination.