Measles Outbreak investigation in a Small Hamlet in ruralfield practice area of a Medical College- Lessons learnt in thecurrent context

Abstract

Background Measles outbreak was reported from a hamlet in a primary health center PHC area in the rural field practice area of a Medical College. Investigation was taken to assess various epidemiological features associated with measles outbreak and to estimate the measles immunization status among the affected.Objective the present study was conducted with the objectives of investigating the measles outbreak and assess the various epidemiological features associated with measles and to assess the measles immunization status among the affected population. Methodology Several cases of fever and rash were accidentally observed in small hamlet with 18 households under the PHC area by the interns during their regular field visit which was reported to the PHC. Following which a house-to-house survey was conducted for measles case search in the population and data was collected as per Vaccine Preventable Disease VPDndashOB002 amp 003 forms of Field guide Measles Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation.Results Fourteen out of 32 children agedlt15 years from 18 households were affected with measles overall attack rate being 43.8. Among the measles casescedil only 28.6 were vaccinated for measles. Attack rate among the unimmunized and immunized was 58.8 and 26.7 respectively the difference being statistically not significant Pgt0.05. Vaccine efficacy was low 54.7 and proportion of vaccine preventable cases were 71.4. Measles-related complications were reported in 28.6 of cases. All the children were given age-appropriate dose of vitamin-A prophylaxis and children of the nearby villages were vaccinated against measles as a part of outbreak control measures. Conclusion The present study indicates that small pockets of susceptible population will always have a threat for a larger outbreak. There is a need to strengthen routine immunization coverage by increasing the awareness level and also ensuring proper cold chain maintenance not only in public sector but also in private sector.nbspnbsp