Serological test results of suspected measles and rubella cases in Hebei province from 2020 to 2024: a study based on routine surveillance data

ObjectiveTo analyze the detection status and epidemiological characteristics of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies of suspected measles and rubella cases in Hebei province from 2020 to 2024, thus providing technical support for optimizing the prevention and control strategies. MethodsEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect IgM antibodies in the serum samples of suspected measles and rubella cases in Hebei province from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024, and the test results were analyzed. ResultsA total of 8 064 serum samples were tested. Among them, 214 (2.65%) were positive for measles IgM antibodies, and 80 (0.99%) were positive for rubella IgM antibodies. The years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 showed the annual positive rates of measles IgM antibodies being 5.38%, 2.70%, 2.05%, 1.89%, and 1.58% and the annual positive rates of rubella IgM antibodies being 2.30%, 0.97%, 0.85%, 0.54%, and 0.47%, respectively. The IgM antibody positive rates of both measles and rubella showed a declining trend from 2020 to 2024 (all P P > 0.05) was observed in the IgM antibody positive rate for measles (2.75% in males vs. 2.54% in females) or rubella (1.11% in males vs. 0.86% in females). Age-specific analysis revealed significant variations (P χ2 = 209.186, P P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe IgM antibody positive rates of measles and rubella in suspected cases in Hebei province consistently declined from 2020 to 2024, being the highest in January. Cangzhou and Qinhuangdao were identified as key areas for the prevention and control of measles and rubella, respectively. Measles prevention should prioritize younger age groups and individuals who have not completed the full vaccination course, whereas rubella prevention efforts should focus on the population of 10 - 19 years old.