Epidemiological situation of measles in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background: According to the WHO, up to 3 million cases of measles are registered annually in the world. The increase in the incidence rate happens due to population migration and incomplete vaccination coverage. Methods and materials: Analysis of statistical data of the Committee for the Protection of Public Health on the incidence of measles in the Republic of Kazakhstan between 1 April 2018–31 March 2019. Results: According to the statistics of the Committee for the Protection of Public Health on the incidence of measles in the Republic of Kazakhstan between 1 April 2018–31 March 2019, it was found that the incidence of measles was recorded in 5 519 cases. Morbidity took on an outbreak in 6 regions of the country: in the city of Nur-Sultan – 42.6% (n = 2350), in the city of Shymkent – 12.8% (n = 708), in Turkestan – 8.3% (n = 456), Mangistau – 4.8% (n = 266), Akmola – 3.8% (n = 211) and in Atyrau region – 3.7% (n = 205). At the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, measles is associated with a decrease in the global vaccination rate to 78%, instead of the required 90–95%. WHO noted that in 2018 the number of people infected with measles was three times higher than in 2017 and 15 times higher than in 2016. The analysis of the data obtained showed that among patients, children aged 0–12 months prevail and amounted to 83.8% (n = 1836). A vaccination history of patients indicates that 92.3% were not vaccinated against measles. Children under one year old amounted to 99.8% of this number, while 1 year to 14 years old accounted for 71.3%. From April 1, 2019, the Republic of Kazakhstan launched an additional program for immunization of population. Conclusion: The measles situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan shows the need to further study of the reasons vaccination refuses and to conduct widespread health education among the population.