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. 2025 Jul 21;53(1):95.
doi: 10.1186/s41182-025-00776-8.

A retrospective review of measles outbreaks in Ibb Governorate, Yemen (2020-2023)

Wadee Abdullah Al-Shehari  1   2 , Wadhah Hassan Edrees  3   4 , Eglal Ahmed Qasem  5 , Yahya Ali Al-Qadhi  6 , Abdulrahman Abdullah Humaid  7   8 , Ali Ahmed Al-Halani  9   10
Affiliations

A retrospective review of measles outbreaks in Ibb Governorate, Yemen (2020-2023)

Wadee Abdullah Al-Shehari et al. Trop Med Health. .

Abstract

Background: Measles, a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious health problems and even death, has recently recurred worldwide despite the measures taken, with Yemen experiencing the most outbreaks among countries worldwide. There is a scarcity of current information regarding the measles epidemic in the Ibb Governorate of Yemen. Consequently, this retrospective analysis aimed to ascertain the pattern of measles outbreaks in Ibb Governorate, Yemen, during the 4-year period from 2020 to 2023.

Methods: The secondary measles data contained in the database of the Health and Environment Office at Ibb Governorate between 2020 and 2023 were used for this retrospective analysis.

Results: Of the 3,898 suspected measles cases, the majority of cases were recorded among males (53.2%), in the 0-4 age group (65.5%), in autumn (31.6%), and in 2023 (52.5%). The cumulative incidence rate of measles cases was 12.6 cases per 10,000 population, with the highest rates in males (13.7 cases) and the age group of 0-4 years (57.9 cases). The incidence rate has been increasing between 2020 and 2023, from 0.7 to 6.8 cases per 10,000 people. Furthermore, the overall fatality rate for measles cases was 0.87% and was significantly higher in children aged 0-4 years. The districts of As Saddah (44.7 cases) and Yarim (30.6 cases) recorded the highest incidences of measles. Most of the people who had measles had a rash (3,898; 100%), fever (3,887; 99.7%), cough (3,269; 83.9%), and runny nose (2,763; 70.9%). Additionally, 60.8% (2,370) of the cases were among unvaccinated individuals.

Conclusion: Current findings indicate that measles cases are increasing over the years and could pose a significant threat to the population if left unaddressed. A stronger vaccination program, better healthcare infrastructure, the fight against vaccine hesitancy, and international collaboration are crucial for controlling and eliminating measles in this country.

Keywords: Child; Disease outbreaks; Epidemiological trends; Incidence; Measles; Retrospective studies; Vaccination coverage; Yemen.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This retrospective analysis obtained the approval clearance by the Research Ethics Board of the University of Ibb, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, on September 14, 2024, with the reference number IBBUNI.AC.YEM.2024.104. Permission was granted to collect data relevant to this analysis through an official communication from the University of Ibb to the Health and Environment Office, explaining the significance and objectives of this analysis. Based on Yemeni law, this analysis does not require informed consent, given its retrospective nature, which did not involve direct human contact. In addition, the privacy and identity of patients were protected during the analysis process. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trend of measles burden in the governorate of Ibb by epidemiological weeks from 2020 to 2023
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cumulative frequency of suspected measles burden by seasons and month
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The incidence rate of measles burden by demographic variables
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The annual incidence rate of measles burden cases by sex and age group
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Incidence rate of measles burden by districts in Ibb governorate
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
The case fatality rate of measles infection between 2020 and 2023 in Ibb governorates
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