Measles Epidemiology and Coverage of Immunization Against Measles in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia: Local Trends in a Regional Context.

BACKGROUND

Despite ongoing global elimination efforts, measles remains a persistent public health threat.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study examines trends in crude measles incidence and vaccination coverage from 1948 to 2024 in the northern region of Serbia-Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (AP Vojvodina)-which accounts for 26.9% of the national population. This study further explores measles vaccination coverage across the province's seven districts, along with the number of reported measles cases, age distribution, and vaccination status of affected individuals from 2000 to 2024. Data were obtained from official annual immunization records maintained by public health institutions within the framework of Serbia's national mandatory immunization program.

RESULTS

A notable resurgence of measles occurred in Serbia during 2017-2018, following a decline in vaccination coverage. In AP Vojvodina, outbreaks were recorded in 2007, 2014-2015, and 2017-2018, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children and adults aged 20-39 years. Since 2019, the measles incidence has significantly declined. During the 2018 outbreak, the highest incidence was observed among children aged 1-4 years (40.6 per 100,000), followed by infants under 1 year (17.3 per 100,000) and adults aged 20-39 years (12.5 per 100,000). An analysis of the data from 2000 to 2024 revealed substantial age- and dose-related differences in measles incidence, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, those who had received one or two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MCV), and those with unknown vaccination status. During the 2017-2018 epidemic, unvaccinated children under 1 year and those aged 1-4 years were the most affected. A marked increase in cases among single-dose recipients was noted in 2018, especially in adults aged 20-39 years (9.5%) and those ≥40 years (13.5%). A considerable proportion of measles cases in these age groups had unknown vaccination status: 33.1% among individuals aged 20-39 years and 18.2% among those aged ≥ 40 years. Epidemiological investigation linked the 2007 and 2014-2015 outbreaks in AP Vojvodina to importations from Bosnia and Herzegovina. No specific source was identified for the 2017-2018 outbreak, suggesting possible endemic transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the impact of fluctuating vaccination coverage on measles resurgence. Sustaining high two-dose MCV coverage, strengthening routine immunization programs, enhancing surveillance systems, and ensuring timely outbreak preparedness are critical measures for achieving effective measles control.