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Measles in southern Ghana: 1985-1993
1Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School Accra.
West African Journal of Medicine
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Measles remains a threat to children in Southern Ghana, particularly those unvaccinated. A two-dose measles immunization program is crucial to address protection gaps in infants and older children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Measles continues to cause significant illness and death in children in Southern Ghana, though less than previously.
- Key factors for measles admissions and mortality, such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration, persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze measles admissions and mortality factors in Southern Ghana.
- To evaluate the current measles immunization program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement, especially concerning younger infants and older children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of measles cases admitted to hospitals in Southern Ghana.
- Examination of demographic data, immunization status, and clinical outcomes of pediatric measles patients.
Main Results:
- Most measles admissions were unvaccinated children in densely populated urban and peri-urban areas.
- Increases in measles cases were observed in infants aged 3-8 months and school-aged children (≥60 months).
- Pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration remained significant mortality factors.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights gaps in measles vaccination coverage, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- A two-dose measles immunization strategy should be urgently considered to improve protection, especially for infants and older children potentially experiencing vaccine failure or missed primary immunization.