Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP) Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology
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Date
2015-05
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious, acute, viral illness of the respiratory tract caused by RNA
enveloped virus of the family paramyxovirus, genus Morbillivirus. Measles is the most common of
vaccine preventable diseases that occur in Ethiopia; where parents recognize it as a self-limited
common childhood illness for which no medical care is often sought. Measles outbreak was detected in
Beko Jimma Kebele of Sibu Sire District, East Wollega Zone in March 2014. Investigation was done to
verify the existence of an outbreak, to determine the magnitude and identify associated risk factors
contributed for the occurrence of the outbreak.
A Cross-sectional descriptive study followed by a one to two unmatched case control study was
conducted from May 4 to 18, 2014. Interview by using structured questionnaire was used to collect
data from cases and controls. Data was managed and analyzed by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi-
Info 7.1.
From five of the cases, blood samples were collected for laboratory confirmation, and all tested
positive for Measles IGM. All other cases were epidemiologically linked with the confirmed cases. Over
the period of outbreak a total of 291 measles cases with 10 community deaths were detected. 52.2 %
of the cases were females and the age of the cases ranged from 1 month to 55 years with median age
of 5 years. More than three quarter of the cases were aged below 15 years. 88.3% of the cases
including all the deceased were not vaccinated for measles. The overall attack rate was 2.91% and the
case fatality rate was 3.44%. Having contact with a person suspected to have measles AOR: 31.16 (95%
CI, 8.19 – 118.62) and presence of measles case patient among the family in the house hold AOR: 6.36
(95% CI, 2.23 – 18. 13) were independent risk factors for contracting measles infection. However,
nutritionally being normal was found to be protective for measles infection AOR: 0.13 (0.05 – 0.34).
This outbreak occurred in remote pocket kebele of the Sibu Sire District with extremely low
immunization coverage. Multiple factors contributed for the occurrence of the outbreak. We
recommend enhanced routine immunization service, availing therapeutic feeding service and
awareness creation to the community on mode of transmission, prevention and health seeking
behavior.
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Key word: measles, outbreak, Beko Jimma, Sibu Sire.
Description
Keywords
measles, outbreak, Beko Jimma, Sibu Sire.