Analysis of measles surveillance data, Sokoto State, Nigeria: 2010 - 2016

Abstract

Introduction: measles is a disease that has a worldwide distribution; however, control efforts have substantially altered the global distribution. The incidence has decreased substantially in regions where vaccination has been instituted. In spite of the increase in Measles immunization coverage aimed at building population immunity against the disease, Measles outbreaks still occur, especially in the developing countries like Nigeria. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of Measles cases in Sokoto State in time place and person. Methods: descriptive analyses of Measles Surveillance data between 2010 and 2016 was carried out to describe the epidemiology of Measles in Sokoto State in time, place and person. Microsoft excel and Epi info were used to analyze the data. Proportions, cross tabulations and chi square test were used to find associations between variables. Results: a total of 13974 suspected cases were line listed between January 2010 and June 2016, there were a total of 13974 suspected Measles cases. Overall, 11107 (80%) were below 5 years and 6553 (47%) were females. Majority, 12896 (92%) of the suspected Measles cases were reported in the first half of each year of evaluation. Gwadabawa Local Government Area (LGA) recorded the highest number of Measles cases 1881 (14%). Ten thousand and twenty-seven (72%) of suspected Measles cases did not receive Measles vaccine. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 0.9%, however, Bodinga LGA had the highest CFR of 4% and over the period of surveillance year 2015 had the highest CFR (1.8%). Only 605(4%) suspected Measles cases were tested for Measles IgM. One hundred and twenty-five (0.9%) deaths were recorded; factors significantly associated with deaths are number of doses of Measles received (p = 0.001) and admission status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: there is persistence of Measles over the period affecting primarily children below five years. This may be due to vaccinations being missed by children despite activities to strengthen coverage. We recommend that there should be more awareness programs and strengthening of Measles immunization in the State.