AGE STRUCTURE OF MEASLES PATIENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, 2016–2025

Abstract

Objectives. The study analyzed the age structure of measles cases and assessed vaccination status among patients in the Republic of Moldova during 2016–2025, with emphasis on the most frequently affected age groups and the proportion of unvaccinated persons.

Methods. A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed using aggregated data on measles morbidity, age-group distribution, and history of measles–mumps–rubella immunization. Morbidity data for 2016–2025 were obtained from Statistical Form No. 2, “Epidemiological Bulletin of Infectious Diseases,” while case characteristics were obtained from the SBTESP electronic system. For vaccination-status analysis in 2024–2025, 410 cases were included and grouped by age and number of vaccine doses received.

Results. No measles cases were recorded in 2016–2017 or 2021–2022. Morbidity peaked in 2018, declined in 2019, and increased again in 2024–2025. Of the 410 cases analyzed in 2024–2025, 325 (79.3%) occurred in unvaccinated persons, 29 (7.1%) in persons who had received one dose, 38 (9.3%) in persons who had received two or more doses, and vaccination-status data were unavailable for 18 (4.3%). The most affected age groups were children aged 5–9 years (105 cases; 25.6%) and 1–4 years (86 cases; 20.9%), followed by those aged 10–14 years (81 cases; 19.8%).

Conclusions. The high proportion of unvaccinated persons among cases indicates accumulation of a susceptible population. The age distribution supports catch-up vaccination, systematic verification of vaccination status, and prioritization of interventions in children, particularly those aged 1–9 years, while also addressing adolescents and adults with incomplete or unknown vaccination status.