Epidemiological factors and profile of hospitalized children in measles outbreak in Central Kerala, 2010-2011

Aim: To find out the epidemiological factors and profile of hospitalized children in the Measles outbreak in Central Kerala.Subjects and methods: Children admitted with measles in the recent outbreak were evaluated with immunization history, the presence of complications and the duration of hospital stay.Results: Of the 64 cases admitted from April 2010 till March 2011, 60.94% were boys and 39.06% were girls.The age of 40.62% cases was less than or equal to one year.Unvaccinated children constituted 48.44% cases.A contact history was available in 25% of them.Only 20.31% patients were malnourished, and the rest apparently had normal nutrition.Most common complication was bronchopneumonia (79.69%) followed by diarrhoea.Average duration of hospital stay was three and a half days for those with pneumonia, and five days for those with pneumonia and diarrhoea.Conclusion: Measles vaccination needs wider coverage.Infants may be vaccinated earlier than nine months, especially during epidemics.All preadolescents should be given an extra dose of measles vaccine.Strict cold chain maintenance also is important.