Title : Investigation of a positive case of measles in the kouto health district, Ivory Coast, May 2025

Introduction: Côte d'Ivoire joined the Global Measles Initiative in 2001. It developed two strategic plans (2001-2005 and 2007-2012) for the pre-elimination of measles. This enabled the implementation of case-bycase surveillance and the Reaching Every District strategy. Surveillance helps prevent disease outbreaks and contain epidemics. In Kouto, it led to the notification of several suspected cases of measles, including one confirmed case on April 6, 2025. Hence this mission, with the objective of investigating the positive case and assessing the risk of transmission within the community.

Methods: A case study was conducted. The preparatory phase (April 15-16, 2025) consisted of assembling the mission team, holding meetings to validate and gather tools, documenting measles, and planning actions with the Sanhala health area officials, the village chief, and his elders. The practical phase (April 17, 2025) consisted of interviewing and clinically examining the index case, actively searching for other cases, analyzing vaccination and disease monitoring curves, and conducting direct interviews with health workers and community members.

Results: The initial case (index case) was identified as a 24-year-old farmer (Touré Doman). He developed symptoms on March 17, 2025, the day after a two-week stay in Mirimiri (Boundiali). He sought medical attention on March 24, 2025. No further cases of measles were found. Four child contacts were seen; 75% had received at least one dose of the MR vaccine. From 2022 to 2024, MR vaccination coverage at the Sanhala Health Center was above 95%. In the community, nineteen children were surveyed; 95% had received at least one dose of MR. Contact tracing was also conducted. completed. Awareness sessions were conducted on strengthening vaccination and disease surveillance.

Conclusion: The source of contamination could not be clearly identified. The index case is no longer showing any symptoms, is doing well, and no longer presents a source of contamination in the community. The population has engaged in vaccination activities.

Keywords: Investigation, Measles, Kouto, Ivory Coast. 
 

After completing my Baccalaureate (Series D), I studied nursing and midwifery at the National Institute for Health Worker Training in Côte d'Ivoire, where I earned my State Diploma in Nursing (2003). I joined the Ministry of Health and Hygiene (2004). I then obtained a Master's degree in Community Health Research from Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, in 2018. I received certification in Field Epidemiology (Frontline in 2020 and Intermediate in 2025). I have published a book and an article. I was named Best Health Worker for Tuberculosis Management in Poro-TchologoBagoué, Côte d'Ivoire, in 2018.