Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Biological Sciences (Microbiology), College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria
2
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria
Abstract
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus, remains a significant public health concern globally. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of measles infection in Edo State, Nigeria, and examine the relationships between demographic factors, risk factors, and clinical symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants in Edo State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected for measles serology using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) EUROIMMUN, (USA). The overall prevalence of measles was 19.0%. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (52.6%) than males (47.4%), but the difference was not significant (OR = 0.923, 95% CI: 0.455-1.871, P = 0.823). Age-specific prevalence was highest among children aged 0-4 years (63.2%), followed by those aged 5-10 years (26.3%) and 11-15 years (10.5%) (P > 0.05). Edo Central had the highest prevalence (52.6%), significantly more than Edo North (31.6%) and Edo South (15.8%) (P < 0.05). Clinical symptoms significantly associated with measles included rash (OR = 224.00, 95% CI = 46.6-1077.1, P < 0.001), fever (OR = 22.88, 95% CI = 9.47-55.28, P < 0.001), and conjunctivitis (OR = 110.0, 95% CI = 23.7-511.1, P = 0.001). This study highlights the ongoing threat of measles in Edo State, Nigeria, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination in reducing measles prevalence. The findings also underscore significant demographic and clinical factors associated with infection, including age, geographic location, and clinical symptoms. Targeted public health interventions are necessary to enhance vaccination coverage and control measles outbreaks, particularly in high-risk areas and populations.
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