Analysis of epidemiological data on measles from 2004 to 2013 at the National Institute of Public Health in Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Measles remains an extremely contagious viral disease and sometimes leads to epidemics. The objective was to analyze epidemiological data on measles from 2004 to 2013 in Mali. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from October 1, 2024 to September 31, 2025 at the National Institute of Public Health. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 27.0.1. Duration was categorized into 3days, 3- 7days and ≥7days. The age range was categorized into 0- 4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years and ≥15 years. The Pearson Chi test or the Fischer exact test was used for the comparison of frequencies at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The analysis focused on 3,411 cases of measles whose data met the inclusion criteria out of the total of 12,724 recorded. The male gender represented 53.2%, 0– 4-year-olds were 35%, and Bamako had 30.6% cases. 99.7% of samples were adequate upon arrival at the laboratory. 51.5% of samples were collected within 3 days and 61.1% sent within 3 days. In total, 57% of cases have been confirmed. The peak of cases (859 confirmed/1,142 suspects) was recorded in 2010, 73% of which were in Bamako. Kidal region had 95.6% sample adequacy with a significant relationship between adequacy and region. Conclusion: The laboratory plays a key role in measles surveillance. Improving this system requires adequate coordination between the different actors.