Measles outbreak in Qassim, Saudi Arabia 2007: epidemiology and evaluation of outbreak response.
BACKGROUND
Worldwide efforts for measles elimination are made possible due to the availability of a highly effective measles vaccine. In spite of highly vaccinated population, a measles outbreak occurred in Qassim province of Saudi Arabia, during January-August 2007.


METHODS
An outbreak investigation was conducted to describe the epidemiology of outbreak. An audit of performance of control measures taken by the Primary Health Care team was done according to World Health Organization standards.


RESULTS
Of 230 cases reported, more than one-third (37.8%) patients were 0-4 years of age. Children aged 6-11 months accounted for 51.7% cases amongst 0-4 years age group. The performance indicator targets of >or=80% for outbreak control measures were achieved regarding investigation of cases within 48 hours, and blood sample extraction within the optimal period. However, 66.8% cases reported within 48 hours of rash onset and only 16.4% of laboratory test results were received within 7 days of receipt of the specimen in laboratory.


CONCLUSIONS
This outbreak demonstrates the increased susceptibility of unvaccinated children aged 6-11 months. To prevent future outbreaks, community awareness, review of measles vaccination schedule, enhanced surveillance and measles 'catch-up' mass immunization campaign to interrupt chains of transmission, are required.
Jahan
Saulat
S
Health Education and Training Department, Primary Health Care Administration, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. saulatjahan@hotmail.com
Al Saigul
Abdullah Mohammed
AM
Abu Baker
Mohammed Ahmad Mohammed
MA
Alataya
Ayman Osman
AO
Hamed
Shamandy Abdul Rahim
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D008458:Measles Vaccine