Objective
Describe strategies and lessons learned in preparedness for, response to, and stabilization of numerous outbreaks of imported measles cases in Colombia in 2018 and 2019, in the post-elimination era.
Methods
Case study with a mixed methodological approach, using information from the National Public Health Surveillance System, event-based surveillance, laboratory surveillance, and vaccination reports for 2018 and 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key professionals in epidemiological surveillance, laboratory analysis, and vaccination. The interviews were transcribed, followed by discourse analysis and a synthesis of opinions.
Results
Outbreaks were investigated within the framework of the incident management system, with optimization of notification, investigation, and transmission containment in the territory. The inclusion of real-time polymerase chain reaction virus detection tests reduced the time required for diagnosis, with a positive predictive value of 98%. In addition, vaccination of migrants and "zero-dose" vaccination helped reduce transmission.
Conclusions
The national risk management system for outbreaks, epidemics, and events of public health interest led by the National Institute of Health designed care routes in hospitals, modified the diagnostic algorithm, and established barrier-free vaccination. This led to an efficient response that controlled the spread of measles in the Region and maintained elimination status.