The Open Vaccine Journal
2010, 3 : 25-36Published 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
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.