Trends of measles in Tanzania: A 5-year review of case-based surveillance data, 2018-2022.
Int J Infect Dis
; 139: 176-182, 2024 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38122965
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Tanzania observed a gradual increase in the number of measles cases since 2019 with a large outbreak recorded during 2022. This study describes the trend of measles in Tanzania over a 5-year period from 2018-2022.METHODS:
This was a descriptive study conducted using routine measles case-based surveillance system including 195 councils of the United Republic of Tanzania.RESULTS:
Between 2018 and 2022 there were 12,253 measles cases reported. Out of 10,691 (87.25%) samples tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 903 (8.4%) were measles immunoglobulin M positive. The highest number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases was in 2022 (64.8%), followed by 2020 (13.8%), and 2019 (13.5%). Out of 1279 unvaccinated cases, 213 (16.7%) were laboratory-confirmed measles cases compared to 77/723 (10.6%) who were partially vaccinated and 71/1121 (6.3%) who were fully vaccinated (P < 0.001). Children aged between 1-4 years constituted the most confirmed measles cases after laboratory testing, followed by those aged 5-9 years. There was a notable increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in children <1 year and 10-14 years during 2022 compared to previous years. The vaccination coverage of the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) was maintained >90% since 2013 while MCV2 increased gradually reaching 88% in 2022.CONCLUSIONS:
Accumulation of susceptible children to measles due to suboptimal measles vaccination coverage over the years has resulted in an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Tanzania with more cases recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening surveillance, routine immunization, and targeted strategies are key to achieving the immunity levels required to interrupt measles outbreaks.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Pandemias
/
Sarampión
Límite:
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Infant
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Infect Dis
Asunto de la revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Tanzania