Epidemiology Survey of Measles in Kazakhstan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Measles (rubella) is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family. The measles virus is directly responsible for more than 100,000 deaths each year. Epidemiological studies have linked measles to increased morbidity and mortality many years after infection, but the reasons underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. The virus attacks immune cells, causing acute suppression of the immune system. The World Health Organization recommends a two-dose vaccination policy, with the first dose administered during the 1st year of life, and coverage should be maintained in at least 90–95% of the population to halt transmission. In many countries, the measles vaccine is included in the immunization program and is freely available to all. Today, despite active immunization of the population, measles still occurs in the Republic of Kazakhstan. AIM: The objective of our study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the rise of the disease. METHODS: Statistical data were obtained from the Committee on Public Health Protection on the incidence of measles in The Republic of Kazakhstan for the period from November 1, 2018 to December 30, 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiology survey. RESULTS: The article contains epidemiological data on the incidence of measles in the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan among children, age, and gender characteristics. CONCLUSION: In the period from November 2018 to December 2019, there was a tendency to increase the incidence of measles in the republic. In terms of morbidity, Nur-Sultan was the leader, where the number of cases was 22.9% (n = 3181). The largest number of registered cases, 58.2% (n = 5745), occurred in children aged 1–14 years. Measles remains an unresolved global problem and groups of undervaccinated and unvaccinated populations remain vulnerable during epidemics.