Epidemiology of measles in Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2007-2016

INTRODUCTION: measles is the leading vaccine preventable childhood disease designated for elimination by WHO. More than 20 million people are affected by measles each year, particularly in Africa and Asia. With annual outbreaks reported from Ethiopia’s Oromia region. We analyzed measles containing vaccine coverage (MCV), measles cases and measles deaths over a 10-year period (2007-2016). METHODS: we reviewed Oromia measles surveillance data and first-dose measles containing vaccine (MCV1) administrative coverage. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess variables associated with measles death. Additional spatial mapping was performed to visually display key areas of measles case distribution in Oromia. RESULTS: a total of 26,908 measles suspect cases were identified, of which 18,223 (68%) were confirmed. A median age of 6 years (IQ range 0.5 - 71 years) and 288 deaths were observed. Among the total cases, 29% were unvaccinated and 46% had unknown vaccination status. The highest IR was seen in Guji zone (IR=190/100,000 population) among 1-4 years, with a majority from rural areas. Risk factors associated with death include age 5 years (AOR=1.82, CI: 1.42-2.33), unvaccinated status (AOR=1.44, CI: 1.06-1.95) and inpatient treatment (AOR=2.12, CI: 1.58-2.85). Of 8,732 measles IgM negative/indeterminate specimens, 10.5% tested positive for rubella specific IgM. CONCLUSIONS: outbreaks of measles are an ongoing public health concern in the Oromia region. Children aged 1-15 years remain at high risk for contracting measles in the region. We recommend strengthening routine immunization to reach all children, especially in rural areas and that the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine be considered.