Rongrong Zhou1, Shuyi Yuan2, Wen Yu1, Liqun Li1, Qiongfen Li1, Licun Guo2, Zhixian Zhao1, Zhizhong Song1. 1. Expanded Program on Immunization Department, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China. 2. Expanded Program on Immunization Department, Lincang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lincang City, Yunnan, China.
Abstract
Background: A recent measles importation-related outbreak in the China-Myanmar border region required outbreak response immunization to stop the outbreak, raising the question of measles immunity in the area. We conducted two measles serological surveys to develop a seroepidemiological profile of native Chinese citizens and registered Myanmar immigrants to identify strategies to promote measles elimination in the border region. Methods: We conducted a clinic-based measles serosurvey of Myanmar registered immigrants (n = 300) and a population-based serosurvey of Chinese Lincang residents (n = 355). Serum samples were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to assess immunity to measles. Results: We found that Myanmar immigrants had a seropositivity rate of 85.3% (95% CI: 81.3-89.4) with a GMT of 924.9 mIU/ml, and Lincang Chinese nationals had a seropositivity rate of 94.6% (95% CI:92.3-97.0) with a GMT of 1363.3 mIU/ml. Myanmar children 2-6 years of age and 7-14 years of age were more likely to be susceptible to measles than same-aged Chinese children: odds ratios 23.00 (95% CI: 5.10-103.69, P < .001) and 7.95 (95% CI: 1.66-38.01,P = .009), respectively.Conclusions: We recommend conducting a catch-up vaccination program for Myanmar children ≤15 years old.
Background: A recent measles importation-related outbreak in the China-Myanmar border region required outbreak response immunization to stop the outbreak, raising the question of measles immunity in the area. We conducted two measles serological surveys to develop a seroepidemiological profile of native Chinese citizens and registered Myanmar immigrants to identify strategies to promote measles elimination in the border region. Methods: We conducted a clinic-based measles serosurvey of Myanmar registered immigrants (n = 300) and a population-based serosurvey of Chinese Lincang residents (n = 355). Serum samples were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to assess immunity to measles. Results: We found that Myanmar immigrants had a seropositivity rate of 85.3% (95% CI: 81.3-89.4) with a GMT of 924.9 mIU/ml, and Lincang Chinese nationals had a seropositivity rate of 94.6% (95% CI:92.3-97.0) with a GMT of 1363.3 mIU/ml. Myanmar children 2-6 years of age and 7-14 years of age were more likely to be susceptible to measles than same-aged Chinese children: odds ratios 23.00 (95% CI: 5.10-103.69, P < .001) and 7.95 (95% CI: 1.66-38.01,P = .009), respectively.Conclusions: We recommend conducting a catch-up vaccination program for Myanmar children ≤15 years old.