Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and continues to be one of the leading causes of
vaccine-preventable illness and death globally. In 2021 alone, an estimated
nine million cases and 128,000 deaths were record, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the
greatest burden. The objective of the study was to investigate the measles outbreak in Lemi Kura sub-city of Addis Ababa.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conduct in Lemi-Kura
Sub-City, Addis Ababa, from 29 March to 7 May 2025. Data were obtain through structured
face-to-face interviews, review of health facility records, and examination of line lists from
the sub-city health office. After data cleaning, analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel
2016 and SPSS (version 26), and findings were described by person, place, and time; using
tables and figures.
Results: A total of 81 measles cases were report with no deaths. Females accounted for 50.6%
of cases, and the median age was 5 years. Among the 81 reported measles cases, the majority
77.78% occurred in children aged 1–5 years, indicating that this age group was the most
affected compared to those above 5 years 19.75% and under 1 year 2.47%.The overall attack
rate was two per 10,000 population, with the highest in Summit 7/10,000 and Yeka Abado
6/10,000 health centers. Schools accounted for 45.7% of cases, mainly among children aged
3–5 years. Rash (100%), fever (96.3%), and conjunctivitis (63.4%) were the most common
symptoms. The epidemic curve showed the first case on March 29, 2025, the number of cases
increased across different health centers, reaching its peak on April 20, 2025. The epidemic
began to decline after April 21, 2025, and subsequently.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The measles outbreak in Lemi-Kura Sub-City
underscores the need to strengthen routine immunization, improve vaccination monitoring,
and address immunity gaps, particularly among children aged 1–5 years. Overcrowded living
conditions and school-based transmission further emphasize the importance of targeted catch up vaccination, school-based checks, and intensified community outreach.
Description
Keywords
Descriptive, Lemi-Kura, Measles, Outbreak