Sichuan health authorities have issued a public notice concerning the measles epidemic for the first time this year, along with information on other infectious diseases such as nettle rash, epidemic parotitis and varicella.

"Nearly 300 people have been infected by measles so far this year," said an official surnamed Xiao with the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Health's epidemic prevention and treatment office.

Xiao said the figure was higher than in previous years. However, he indicated that the increase might be the result of an improved reporting system rather than an actual rise in the number of cases.

Most of the patients this year are students at primary and middle schools in rural areas.

Schools in more urbanized areas of some counties in the province have also been affected, but large cities have so far not reported infections.

Seven cities and autonomous prefectures have reported cases, a larger area than in previous years.

Xiao explained why the countryside was hit harder than the cities. "Rural areas have poor quarantine conditions and many schools are rather crowded."

In some rural areas, roughly 70 students share a classroom measuring 40 square meters and it is very easy to transmit airborne viruses, he said.

Many of those infected have not been inoculated against measles. The local authorities have begun immunization programs, especially for children who have been in close contact with confirmed cases.

"As Sichuan is an inland area in southwest China, the weather is humid and warm. Also, its population is rather large. These factors help to create an environment conducive to respiratory infections, especially measles," a source with the provincial health bureau explained.

There is often a significant increase in respiratory illnesses during the spring.

Measles is an acute respiratory disease with symptoms characterized by rashes, fever and coughing.

The provincial health department has advised residents to take steps to protect themselves, such as circulating fresh air in working and living spaces and washing their hands frequently. They should see a physician if they detect any symptoms.

Last April, the Sichuan health bureau reported that measles was the fourth most serious infectious disease after viral hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and dysentery in Sichuan Province.

Measles was at one time one of the most frequently transmitted infectious diseases of Chinese children, until vaccines were widely introduced nationwide in the 1950s.

(China Daily April 27, 2004)