Measles and rubella seropositivity among suspected measles cases in northwestern region of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Measles is a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable viral disease that results from infection with measles virus. The clinical picture of measles may resemble rubella and other viral exanthems (fever-rash disease).
Aim: This study aimed to determine the measles seropositivity rate among suspected measles cases and evidence of rubella among measles seronegative cases in the seven states of northwestern Nigeria.
Setting: The data were generated from the Medical Laboratory of Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Kaduna. The laboratory receives samples from Disease Notification and Surveillance officers of local governments of the seven states of northwestern Nigerian.
Methods: The study was cross-sectional where secondary data of measles case-based surveillance were analysed. The study population comprised of individuals with suspected measles infection living in the seven states of northwestern Nigerian.
Results: Out of 3090 samples tested for measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, 1553 (50.3%) tested positive, while 1537 (49.7%) tested negative. Among the negative cases, 1521 were further tested for rubella IgM antibodies, with 157 (10.3%) testing positive.
Conclusion: This high measles seropositivity is concerning considering the ease of access to measles vaccines available at every primary, secondary and even tertiary health facilities spread across northwestern Nigeria.
Contribution: This study reveals that measles virus circulates with high endemicity in the region, with 50.3% serologically confirmed cases among samples from persons suspected to have measles sent for testing. Additionally, 10.3% of individuals suspected having measles but tested negative were found to test positive for rubella.