Analysis of Measles Incidence in Russia and Problems of Measles Prevention at the Elimination Stage

The review analyses measles incidence in Russia at the elimination stage. Epidemiological studies have revealed changes in the measles epidemic process in Russia. It was shown that whereas the specificity of the epidemic process in the pre-vaccination period was mainly determined by the influence of the infectious agent, lately the impact of the social factor has increased. There was an increase in the impact of decreed groups on maintaining the circulation of the virus in the Russian Federation. The aim of the study was to analyse the specificity of the measles epidemic process in Russia, to identify the major current problems of measles vaccination, to reveal reasons that prevent measles elimination in the country given the present environment, and to formulate possible ways of solving them. The article demonstrates the role of migration processes within the country and infection importation from neighboring territories in the rise of disease outbreaks. The article discusses Russian regulatory documents that are devoted to combating the spread of measles, their consistent replacement and refinement bearing in mind the changing epidemiological situation and the current WHO criteria and guidelines for the infection elimination. High-level epidemiological surveillance of the infection is a key factor in choosing the optimal strategy of measles vaccination. The article lists indicators of epidemiological surveillance effectiveness. It also highlights the importance of molecular genetic monitoring of the measles pathogen. The authors outline measures that are necessary to achieve measles elimination in the Russian Federation given the current epidemiological situation.

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