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Measles pneumonia in young adults. An analysis of 106 cases
Abstract:
Measles occurred in 3,220 Air Force recruits between January 1976 and July 1979 and was complicated by pneumonia in 106 cases (3.3 percent). Although no deaths occurred, the illness was characterized as clinically severe with high fever and prolonged hospitalization (mean, 14.5 days). Bacterial superinfection as documented by transtracheal aspiration occurred in 35 cases (30.3 percent) and was caused by Hemophilus influenzae (18), Hemophilus parainfluenzae (two), Neisseria meningitidis (nine), Streptococcus pneumoniae (three), Streptococcus pyogenes (two) and Moraxella kingae (one). Clinical evidence of bronchospasm was present in 18 patients (17 percent) and required bronchodilators in six. Other complications included liver function abnormalities (31 percent), otitis media (29 percent) and sinusitis (25 percent). Measles pneumonia in adolescents is clinically severe with a generally benign outcome.
Insights
Measles in Air Force recruits caused severe illness, including pneumonia in 3.3% of cases. Bacterial superinfections were common, but outcomes were generally favorable, with no deaths reported.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral illness.
- Adolescent and young adult populations, such as military recruits, can experience significant measles outbreaks.
- Understanding measles complications in this demographic is crucial for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and complications of measles in a large cohort of U.S. Air Force recruits.
- To identify the incidence and types of bacterial superinfections in measles pneumonia.
- To evaluate the severity and outcomes of measles and its complications in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for Air Force recruits diagnosed with measles between January 1976 and July 1979.
- Analysis of complication rates, including pneumonia, bacterial superinfections, bronchospasm, and other organ involvement.
- Identification of bacterial pathogens through transtracheal aspiration.
Main Results:
- A total of 3,220 measles cases were identified.
- Pneumonia complicated 3.3% of cases, characterized by severe symptoms and prolonged hospitalization (mean 14.5 days).
- Bacterial superinfections occurred in 30.3% of pneumonia cases, with Hemophilus influenzae being the most common pathogen. Other complications included liver function abnormalities, otitis media, and sinusitis.
Conclusions:
- Measles in adolescent military recruits is clinically severe, with pneumonia being a significant complication.
- Bacterial superinfections frequently complicate measles pneumonia, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Despite severity, measles in this population has a generally benign outcome with no reported fatalities.