Measles epidemic in Auckland 1984-85

Epidemics of measles had been seen biennially over the past two decades at Princess Mary Hospital, Auckland, until 1980. After a four year gap, there has been a further epidemic. The medical records of 201 measles cases seen between July 1984 and August 1985 were reviewed. Maori and Pacific Island children were over-represented (86%), as were children aged less than 2 years (53%). Two children died. The most common complications were otitis media (98 cases), pneumonia (70 cases) and croup (28 cases, for which five children were ventilated). The epidemic was chiefly due to low immunisation rates and represents a failure of current immunisation programmes. Recommendations are made for improved immunisation strategies.