Retrospective measles outbreak investigation: Sudan, 2004

J Trop Pediatr. 2006 Oct;52(5):329-34. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fml026. Epub 2006 May 30.

Abstract

Recent population-based studies of measles incidence and deaths in Sudan are not available. To determine the epidemiology and case-fatality rate (CFR) of measles, we conducted a retrospective outbreak investigation in two states in northern Sudan. Of 1144 case-patients identified, 92% were <15 years; 48.6% were vaccinated; and 62% received vitamin A before illness. Ten measles-associated deaths were identified (CFR 0.9%; 95% confidence interval 0.16-1.91). CFR determined by this investigation is lower than expected for the region but remains 10 times higher than that in developed countries. Measles control should be strengthened by improving vaccine coverage, measles surveillance and case-management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / mortality
  • Measles Vaccine
  • Population Surveillance
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sudan / epidemiology
  • Vaccination
  • Vitamin A

Substances

  • Measles Vaccine
  • Vitamin A