Outbreak Investigation on the First Two Imported Cases of Measles In 2013

Pei-Yi Lin¹,Shu-Hua Huang¹,Min-Nan Hung¹,Chiou-Yueh You¹,Li-Lan Tsai²,Wu-Hsiung Tsai²,
Chi-Kung Ho²,Chao-Ching Chang¹

2013 Vol.29 NO.13

Correspondence Author： Pei-Yi Lin

Abstract：

       Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease and is classified as a category II notifiable disease in Taiwan. It is spread through air or droplets, or contact with nasopharyngeal mucus from an infected person. The number of indigenous measles cases in Taiwan has decreased year by year. However, due to frequent international interaction and neighboring to measles endemic areas include mainland China and countries in Southeast Asia, the spreading risk by imported cases persists. In Early 2013, two confirmed imported measles cases were detected in two infants who were ineligible for MMR vaccination by age. During their visiting trip with parents to mainland China, they had searched for medical assistance several times for treating upper respiratory symptoms at local hospitals in Hunan Province. After returning to Taiwan, they developed fever and rashes and were reported as measles cases. The outbreak investigation and management, e.g., contact assessment and relevant control measures, were launched based on "The Standard Operating Manual of Measles Prevention and Control" and "The Management Guidelines for Suspected Measles Case in Hospitals". Except the two cases, no further case of measles has been reported as of 21 February. This event can be a reference for both public health and medical workers in dealing with similar outbreaks in the future.