Measles Resurgence Following a Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign in Nigeria, 2005–2008

Abstract

Suboptimal routine coverage and the wide interval between the catch-up and follow-up campaigns likely led to an accumulation of children susceptible to measles.

Epidemiology of laboratory confirmed measles virus cases in the southern nations of Ethiopia, 2007–2014

“…This might be related to inconsistency in the Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs) coverage and time interval conducted and age of targeted children for vaccination. This was similar finding with a study in Nigeria where a pattern of high incidence followed by a low incidence was common [3]. …”

“…Worldwide, an estimated 60% measles-associated mortality reduction with 75% reduction in the African region were achieved following implementation of the 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) member states goal of 50% measles mortality reduction by 2005, compared with the 1999 estimate [3–5]. Following this progress, the WHO African region approved a new goal in 2006 to achieve a 90% measles-associated mortality reduction by 2010, compared with the 2000 estimate.…”

Evaluation of the Measles Surveillance System in Kaduna State, Nigeria (2010-2012)

“…The severity of this disease is higher in the northern part of Nigeria [9], due to the inadequate utilization of measles control strategies [6]. Outbreaks occur due to the high birth cohort, sub-optimal immunization coverage and the wide interval between follow-up campaigns, resulting in the accumulation of large numbers of susceptibles [10,11]. The burden of measles in Nigeria prior to the introduction of the accelerated measles control strategy in 2005 was high.…”

“…For instance, in 1985, 3.6 million cases resulting in 108, 000 deaths were reported [12]. Following the implementation of the measles catch-up Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) in 2005, there was a significant reduction in measles morbidity and mortality [10]. However, the post implementation phase of this strategy witnessed a non-linear increase in measles incidence [13].…”

“…About 30, 194, 254 and 169 measles outbreaks were reported in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively [11]. Furthermore, between epidemiological week 1 to 43 of 2013, 643 outbreaks were confirmed in 83% of the 774 LGAs of this country [15] with Kebbi and Kaduna States in northern Nigeria recording a significant proportion of these outbreaks [8,10].…”