Related Experiment Videos
Measles in Ghana--1973-1982
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Measles remains a significant threat to children in urban Accra, causing frequent complications and high mortality. Intensified immunization efforts, with vaccination at six months and again after one year, are urgently needed to protect vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles is endemic in urban Accra, contributing significantly to pediatric admissions.
- The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital recorded measles admissions comprising 8.8% of all pediatric cases between 1973-1982.
- Measles poses a substantial health risk in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of measles admissions in children.
- To identify the common complications and mortality rates associated with measles.
- To recommend strategies for measles prevention and control in Accra.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric admissions data from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
- Data collection covered a ten-year period (1973-1982).
- Analysis focused on age distribution, complications, and mortality of measles cases.
Main Results:
- Measles admissions peaked in infants aged 7-12 months.
- High rates of complications (frequent) and mortality (16.86%) were observed.
- Bronchopneumonia was the most common complication (63.9%) and cause of death (51.5%).
Conclusions:
- Measles poses a severe threat to young children in Accra, necessitating urgent public health interventions.
- Current national case-mortality rates require cautious interpretation.
- Intensified immunization programs, with timely vaccination at 6 months and a booster after 1 year, are crucial for reducing measles burden.