Measles among healthcare workers in the Voronezh region: analysis of the epidemic situation

Relevance. The world has seen an activation of the epidemic process of measles last decade. Medical workers are at an increased risk of infection with measles due to their professional activities.

Objective. To assess the epidemic situation of measles among medical workers in the Voronezh Region during the activation of the epidemic process (2012–2024).

Materials and methods. The study material were: forms No. 2 of Rosstat, cards of epidemiological investigation of measles cases in the territory of the Voronezh Region for 2012–2024, extraordinary reports on cases of “controlled” infections for 2023–2024, act of epidemiological investigation of an infectious (parasitic) disease focus with establishment of a causal relationship and annual reports of medical organizations on immunization against measles for 2014–2024. Antibodies were detected in contact persons during the investigation of a hospitalacquired infection in Voronezh, using the ELISA method.

Results. During the analyzed period, measles among medical workers in the Voronezh region was registered only in the years of the greatest increase of infection among the total population; 7 medical workers fell ill, foci with single cases were registered mainly ; medical workers, who fell ill, had completed the vaccination course in 42.86 % of cases. Including 2023th year, no significant differences were found in the incidence rates of the total population and healthcare workers in the Voronezh region. In 2024, the incidence rates of the total population were significantly higher than those of healthcare workers – 16.50 cases per 100,000 compared to 2.60 cases per 100,000, respectively, p < 0.01. Analysis of the maps of epidemiological investigation of measles cases, extraordinary reports on cases of "managed" infections until 2023 inclusive, indicates the absence or insufficient volume of supervisory and control measures carried out in the foccies with involved medical staff. According to the results of selective serological monitoring of the level of antibodies to measles among medical staff, only 88.76 % of the documented vaccinated persons had a protective level of antibodies. At the same time, according to official reports from medical organizations in the Voronezh Region on measles immunization (2014–2024), the proportion of healthcare workers who are potentially immune to measles (vaccinated, previously infected, or have a protective level of measles antibodies in their serological tests) averaged 99.4 % during the analyzed period of 2014–2024.

Conclusion. The conducted study allows us to consider the epidemic situation of measles among medical workers in the Voronezh Region to be favorable. The active decline of post-vaccination immunity to measles necessitates the determination of antibody levels for all medical workers as part of routine serological monitoring to address the issue of timely vaccination.

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