Outbreak investigation of measles in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, 2015

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa reports repeated outbreaks of measles, a vaccine preventable disease, which is notifiable under the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response strategy in Nigeria. Nigeria has reported several outbreaks of measles in the last three years. Poor immunization coverage and weak health systems have been related with measles. This case study is based on real events that occurred during the 2015 outbreak of measles in Kaduna state Northwestern Nigeria. This case study was based upon real events that occurred in community X in Igabi LGA of Kaduna state. However, some of the results were edited to allow the case study to be completed in a facilitated classroom session. Knowledge and practice of investigating outbreaks is a key public health function of public health workers. The purpose of this case study is to simulate outbreak investigation for teaching of postgraduate public health practitioners. The participants should have received lectures or other training on outbreak investigation without the practical experience of investigating an outbreak but are being prepared to investigate outbreaks in the field. This case study should be taken in a classroom setting and should take two hours to complete.

Keywords: Nigeria; Outbreak investigation; measles.