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Measles and childhood mortality in semi-urban Nigeria
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Insights
Measles vaccination is crucial, as low vaccination rates and high failure rates contribute to significant child mortality, especially in infants. Prompt medical attention is vital for reducing measles complications and deaths.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with suboptimal vaccination coverage.
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors associated with measles is essential for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation, complications, and mortality of measles in children.
- To identify factors contributing to high measles morbidity and mortality in Ilorin.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 269 children with measles admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between April 1983 and March 1986.
- Analysis of patient demographics, vaccination status, clinical course, complications, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The peak incidence of measles occurred in infants aged 6-12 months (40.5%).
- Only 11.5% of children had a history of measles vaccination, with no significant change in immunization status pre- and post-Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
- Respiratory complications were predominant (88.5%), leading to a high overall mortality rate of 26%, with most deaths (52.9%) in the 6-12 month age group.
Conclusions:
- Low vaccination rates, potential vaccine failure, early disease onset, malnutrition, and delayed medical care contribute to severe measles outcomes.
- Urgent interventions are needed to improve measles vaccination coverage and timely medical intervention to reduce measles-related morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Two hundred and sixty-nine children who presented with measles between April 1983 and March 1986 at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, were studied. The peak age incidence was during the second half of the first year (40.5%). A positive history of measles vaccination was indicated in only 11.5%, and there was no significant difference in the immunization status 18 months pre- and post-Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Respiratory complications accounted for 88.5% of all the complications, and 92.8% of the deaths. Overall mortality was 26%. The majority of deaths (52.9%) occurred in the age group 6-12 months. Lack of vaccination, high vaccination failure rate, early age of contracting the disease, malnutrition, prevalent bacterial infections and a delay in seeking medical attention were the main factors identified as the probable causes of high morbidity and mortality in measles in Ilorin.