Factors Associated With Measles Infection in Afghanistan Surrounding the 2021 Outbreak: A Multivariable Analysis

Abstract

Background: Despite development of a safe and effective vaccine, measles remains a risk in many low-income countries where vaccination is less available. Afghanistan's recent measles epidemic remains understudied, and data are needed to inform the public health response. This study investigated the demographic and epidemiologic characteristics associated with suspected and laboratory-confirmed measles infections surrounding the 2021 outbreak in Afghanistan. Methods: We conducted a multivariable retrospective analysis of historical measles case data in Afghanistan from July 2019 to June 2023. Results: Confirmed measles infections in Afghanistan increased by >200% since July 2021, and the majority of cases during the recent outbreak were laboratory-confirmed. Early infancy was a risk factor for confirmed measles during the recent outbreak, as compared with pre-outbreak (P