Peculiarities of the Epidemic Process of Measles and Pertussis with Combined Circulation of Pathogens Among the Population of Gomel Region

Abstract

Measles and pertussis were widespread in all regions of the world in the pre-vaccine period. With the introduction of immunization, the incidence of these infections has sharply decreased, but the diseases continue to be reported in many regions. Understanding the dynamics of measles and pertussis co-proliferation is an important epidemiologic issue and provides the key implementing adequate and effective preventive measures. 
The aim of the research: to reveal integration-competitive relationships in the conjugated spread of measles and pertussis on the territory of Gomel region. The data of official records of measles and pertussis morbidity in the population of Gomel region for the period 1973–2024 were used in this work. For a more detailed characterization of the epidemic process manifestations, 4 time periods were identified, differing in the organization of vaccine prophylaxis: the period of single measles vaccination, the period of double measles vaccination, the period of measles elimination programme implementation and the modern period. Based on the analysis, it was revealed: 1. The long-term dynamics of measles incidence is in antiphase with the incidence of pertussis. 2. The intersection of the sinusoidal curves of the long-term dynamics of measles and pertussis incidence occurs every 10-16 years and does not depend on the level of vaccination. 3. Vaccination against measles and pertussis cough affects the trends in the development of epidemic processes of these infections. 4. The increase in measles and whooping cough incidence at the present stage is largely due to a decrease in the herd immunity of the population. 
Conclusion. Increasing the level of commitment to vaccination of the population and making changes to the National Immunisation Schedule are important tasks in ensuring epidemiological well-being.