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The pattern of measles in Ilorin
1Department of Child Health, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Insights
Measles significantly impacts children under two years old in Nigeria, with most cases occurring in the first year. Early immunization and research into optimal vaccination timing are crucial to reduce measles mortality and complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding measles epidemiology in specific regions is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze measles cases in children admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
- To identify age distribution, seasonal patterns, complications, and mortality associated with measles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 598 measles cases.
- Data collected from January 1982 to December 1984.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nearly 50% of measles cases occurred by 12 months of age, with 34.6% in the second year of life.
- Peak incidence observed in February, March, and April.
- Overall mortality was 11.9%, with 81.7% of deaths in children aged two years and below.
- Common complications included bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis with dehydration.
Conclusions:
- Young children, especially those under two years, are most vulnerable to severe measles outcomes.
- Seasonal variations in measles incidence were noted.
- Urgent need for early measles immunization and further research on optimal immunization age is recommended.
Abstract:
A review of 598 cases of measles admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (Nigeria) between January 1982 and December 1984, was undertaken. One hundred and fourteen children (19%) had measles by the age of nine months, and the number increased to 298 (49.8%) by 12 months of age. There were 207 (34.6%) cases during the second year of life and only 93 children second year of life and only 93 children (15.5%) were above two years of age. The most prevalent months for measles was found to be February, March and April, when 312 (52.29) of the cases occurred. Overall mortality was 71 (11.9%) with 58 (81.7%) deaths occurring among children two years and below. The commonest complications were bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis with dehydration. Early immunization and further research, particularly into the optimum age for immunization is advocated.