Measles outbreak investigation in Ikende Ward, Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, May, 2016

Introduction : measles remains a leading cause of death worldwide and under-five mortality in Africa. It is a highly contagious disease, caused by measles virus of the genus morbilliviridae and outbreak CFR can be as high as 10% in some populations. An outbreak of measles was reported in Ikende ward, Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State in April 2016. Nigeria FELTP residents were deployed to investigate, verify, and characterize the outbreak and to implement control measures. Methods : an unmatched 1:1 Case-control study was done using a systematic, random sample of 144 respondents. A case was defined as any child less than 5 years, with generalized maculopapular rash, fever and any of cough, coryza or conjunctivitis in Ikende ward between 1st of March to 23rd of May 2016. Standard questionnaires were administered to collect basic data from 72 cases and 72 controls. Five case blood samples were analyzed using ELISA. Data analysis was done and frequencies, proportions, OR, 95% CI were presented in tables and charts. Results : overall attack rate was 1.18% with no death. Males, 37 (51.4%), Ikende village 61 (85%) and children aged 60 months for both sexes, 19 (26.4%) were most affected. Two laboratory samples tested positive for Mealses IgM and rubella respectively. Children aged Conclusion : measles outbreak occurred in Ikende ward, Bassa LGA of Kogi State between March and May 2016. Poor children vaccination and contacts with measles cases, were the major risk factors for infection. Full immunization of all eligible children in Ikende ward was recommended to prevent future outbreaks.