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Measles is still a severe problem in Eastern Turkey

Hüseyin Caksen1, Dursun Odabaş, Doğan Köse

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey. huseyincaksen@hotmail.com

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|June 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Measles remains a significant health concern in Eastern Turkey, particularly affecting unvaccinated and malnourished children. Complications like pneumonia are common, highlighting the need for improved public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Measles poses a substantial public health challenge, especially in regions with lower socioeconomic status.
  • Understanding the demographic and clinical profile of measles cases is crucial for effective disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of 143 children diagnosed with measles in Eastern Turkey.
  • To emphasize the severity and complications associated with measles in the studied population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 143 pediatric measles cases.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, immunization status, nutritional status, and clinical complications.

Main Results:

  • The study included 143 children (52.5% boys, 47.5% girls), aged 5 months to 13 years.
  • A high percentage of cases (84.7%) were unvaccinated, and a majority (72.7%) were malnourished.
  • Pneumonia was the most frequent complication (40%), with two deaths (1.3%) reported.

Conclusions:

  • Measles and its complications represent a severe issue in Eastern Turkey, strongly linked to low socioeconomic status.
  • The findings underscore the critical importance of measles vaccination and nutritional support programs.

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