Epidemiology of Measles in Bale Zone Southeast Ethiopia: Analysis of Surveillance Data from 2013 to 2019

Abstract Background: Measles remains causes of vaccine preventable deaths in children worldwide. Measles is under the list of weekly reportable diseases in Ethiopia; however, reported cases represent only a small proportion of the expected cases due to weak measles case-based surveillance implementation. This study was aimed to analyze seven years measles surveillance data of Bale zone in order to indicate measles epidemiology and surveillance related gaps.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from May 25-June 25/2019. Study population was all measles cases reported to Bale Zone Health Office from 2013 to 2019. Data were abstracted from seven years measles line list and case-based report by the investigator using data abstraction check list. The data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft excel, and presented in tables and graphs.Result: Overall, 4241 measles cases were reported from 2013 to 2019. Mean age of the cases were 7.15 and 2147 (50.6%) were males. The most affected age group were children under 4 years of age. The analysis indicated that the case fatality rate was 3.07/1000 population. From the total cases reported 248 (5.8%) were measles IgM confirmed. The highest prevalence rate of 141/100,000 populations was reported in 2019. Unvaccinated cases and cases with unknown vaccination status were 890 (21%) and 731(17.2%) respectively. The highest numbers of cases were reported from Ginir and Gololcha districts. Measles cases increase in autumn season of the year and reaches peak in May.Conclusion: Measles is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bale zone due to poor immunization coverage. Its case fatality is also high excluding community deaths. From all districts included Ginir reported the highest number of cases. Improving vaccination coverage, early preparedness for annual epidemic cycle and strengthening measles case-based surveillance are important interventions to reduce measles morbidity and mortality.