Analysis of epidemiological and elimination strategies on measles in Jiangsu province

Objective To explore epidemio logical character ization and genetic characterization of wild-type measles viruses in Jiangsu province between 2005 and 2007,and to provide evidence for strategies and measures of measles control and elimination.Methods Descriptive epidemio logical analysis was conducted for measles epidemiology.Genetic characterization of 116 measles viruses isolated from throatswabs of measles patients in Jiangsu province was studied.Results The reported measles incidence rate of Jiangsu province in 2005,2006 and 2007 was 11.13,6.10 and 7.23 per 100,000,respectively.The highest incidence rate of all the 13 cities was found in Suzhou and other developed cities.Measles incidence exhibitedy early circle in some developing cities.The proportion of measles cases aged less than 8 months in 2005,2006 and 2007 was 10.83%,12.88% and 101 98%,respectively and that of more than 14 years old was 46.12%,43.19%,and 44.52%,respectively.Measles cases of migrant working population mustered in Suzhou,Changzhou and Wuxi.116 measles viruses isolated during the years of 2003~2007 were all identified as H1 a sub-genotype of H1 genotype.Conclusion The epidemiological characterization of age distribution of measles in Jiangsu province has been changed in 2005~2007.Measles cases of less than 1 and more than 14 years old increased.In the developed cities,most of the measles cases are among migrant wor king population.H1a sub-genotype was the major genoty pe of wild type measles viruses found in Jiangsu province.