Epidemiological characteristics of Under Five Measles cases, Al Najaf Al Ashraf Province, Iraq, 2006-2018

Abstract

Background: Measles is a highly contagious disease and it is one of leading causes of death among young children. In Iraq, extensive efforts are in place to achieve measles elimination but still sporadic cases and limited outbreaks continued to occur. 
 Aim of the study: to describe epidemiological characteristics of under five years measles cases and determine the risk factors of measles in Al Najaf Al Ashraf province, Iraq, 2006-2018. 
 Methodology: This study follows a retrospective descriptive design, which was conducted in the period from 1 January, 2006 to 31 of December of 2018, Review of surveillance records of all suspected measles cases reported to Al Najaf Ashraf Directorate of Health from 2006 to 2018. Basic demographic data, vaccination status and lab results were sought. 
 Results: Total suspected measles cases during this period was 418; 196(47%) were males; median age was 24 months; and 219 (52%) live in urban areas. Only 201 (48%) had at least one dose of measles vaccine; 112 (56%) of vaccinated children live in urban area. Lab results were available for all the cases, 202(48%) were measles IgM positive. Of the lab confirmed cases, 105 (52%) lived in rural area and 158(78%) reported in 2009. Comparing lab confirmed cases with others, un-vaccination to measles vaccine was the only statistically significant risk factor (P=0.001; odds ratio=1.87; 95% CI: 1.27- 2.75). 
 Conclusion: Although this is not a vaccine coverage survey, but we found that measles vaccine coverage is extremely low that increase risk of outbreaks.
 Recommendations: improvement of routine immunization coverage and intensified measles campaign are recommended.