measles epidemiology in sistan and baluchistan province during april 2006-march 2011

background measles is one of the main causes of death among children, especially in developing countries. although over 30 years have passed since the availability of measles vaccine; it is still uncontrolled in many countries.in iran the highest incidence of confirmed measles cases have occurred in sistan and baluchistan province. objectives this study was conducted to determine demographic and epidemiological characteristics of measles cases in order to improve strategies to eliminate measles in this province. patients and method all suspected and confirmed measles cases from april 2006 until march 2011 were evaluated in this province. results overall 456 suspected cases of measles were reported. 19.7% of cases were reported clinically positive, and positive test ratio was 56%. during our study measles incidence rate had increasing trend. the most incidence cases have occurred in spring and summer and the most cases have occurred in 1-4 years age group. chabahar city has had the most confirmed cases. about measles vaccination history, 56.4% of all reported cases never vaccinated before. conclusions improving vaccination coverage and more accurate control of the cold chain can reduce probable outbreaks of measles and also it is proposed to expand health services in the eastern border to health control of immigrants.