Measles Virus Imported by International Traveler in Jiangsu Province of China, in 2018 and 2019

Abstract

Measles remains a public health concern in many regions, and the imported measles cases continue to challenge the measles elimination program for most of the countries where measles was verified to be eliminated or approaching elimination. The imported measles cases have been reported since October, 2017, in Jiangsu province, China. In this study, we reported the first imported B3 genotype measles virus from Egypt and the second imported D8 genotype measles virus from Philippines through international traveling. No secondary measles cases were found after these imported cases. Our findings highlighted the importance of measles vaccination targeting international travelers in China.

Maculopapular Rash with Fever: Reporting of a Case with Imported Measles and Diagnostic Difficulties in Non-Epidemic Times

“…It is known that international travelers are an important source of infectious pathologies. Imported cases of measles have been reported by other authors [4]. Imported cases of Measles remain a challenge for the health systems of countries that have reported a complete elimination of this pathology.…”

The genotype distribution and phylodynamic of measles viruses circulating in the east of China in postvaccine era, 2005–2017

“…The molecular epidemiology surveillance of measles virus was introduced in 2005 and H1a is the predominant genotype. Only three D8 genotype cases were identified in 2017 and 2018, respectively 10,13 14 .…”

“…The immune response induced by primary infection is equally potent against all viruses, and it will not generate selection among measles viruses. Therefore, the measles phylogeny is determined by global spatiotemporal strain dynamics: indigenous viruses persisting in regions with low vaccine coverage and immunocompromised individuals, and imported viruses by migration 10 . Therefore, many viruses coexist in phylogeny, with relative frequencies determined predominantly by nonselective epidemiological processes 11 …”

“…Therefore, the measles phylogeny is determined by global spatiotemporal strain dynamics: indigenous viruses persisting in regions with low vaccine coverage and immunocompromised individuals, and imported viruses by migration. 10 Therefore, many viruses coexist in phylogeny, with relative frequencies determined predominantly by nonselective epidemiological processes. 11 In a high measles immunization coverage era, measles epidemic is under long-time overwhelming immune pressure.…”

“…Only three D8 genotype cases were identified in 2017 and 2018, respectively. 10,13 The surveillance of antibody level among healthy population showed a higher herd immunity. 14 Measles virus encounters higher immune pressure than ever before, and more and more measles viruses should be interrupted over time theoretically.…”