The Open Vaccine Journal

2010, 3 : 25-36
Published online 2010 February 16. DOI: 10.2174/1875035401003010025
Publisher ID: TOVACJ-3-25

Measles Epidemiology in Spain after Introduction of the National Indigenous Measles Elimination Plan

Isabel Peña-Rey , María Victoria Martínez de Aragón , Odorina Tello Anchuela , Josefa Masa , Enrique Alcalde Cabero , María Teresa Castellanos Ruiz and Regional Coordinators of the Measles Elimination Plan
Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28028. Madrid, España

ABSTRACT

The Action Plan for Measles Elimination in Spain was introduced in 2001. This work analyzes the incidence, outbreaks, complications, admissions, disease mortality and vaccination coverages of measles.

Since 2001, measles incidence in Spain has been <1/100,000 inhabitants, with 1384 confirmed cases, mostly in infants aged <16 months (32%) and people aged >20 years (43%). Eight genotypes have been identified (47% of European origin). Hospitalization was required in 18% of cases and the most common complication was otitis. One death has been recorded.

Sustained high vaccination coverages and good epidemiological surveillance may make elimination of the indigenous transmission of measles possible in the near future but recent outbreaks show the need to continue and intensify measles control activities.

Keywords:

Elimination plan, epidemiological surveillance, incidence, measles, outbreaks, vaccination coverage.