EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ADULT MEASLES IN NORTH KERALA
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 7
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measles is an acute viral infection characterised by fever, cough, rhinorrhoea, conjunctival congestion and maculopapular rash. Disease occurs as epidemic and it is described from all countries. The precise incidence estimates are not available either because of under-reporting or due to lack of surveillance. In temperate zones, measles causes seasonal peaks in early spring and late winter. In tropical zones, most cases occur during dry season. In India, most cases occur during winter and early spring. The disease is considered as disease of children. Objectives of this study were1. To identify the seasonal trend in measles incidence. 2. Age distribution of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an observational study during a 10-year period from 2007 - 2016 in a tertiary care centre. Patients above 13 years admitted in the centre with a clinical diagnosis of measles were included in the study. RESULTS There were a total of 809 measles cases. 717 patients were in the age group of 13 - 30 with very few cases more than 40 years of age and there was a male predominance. There were no measles patients above 50 years. Measles incidence was maximum during November to March. CONCLUSION Contrary to the belief that measles is a disease of children, more cases occur now in adolescents and young adults in this part of the country. This is mainly because of single dose measles vaccination implemented in universal immunisation program. The efficacy of single dose vaccine is 85%. In order to reduce transmission, the level of herd immunity needed is about 93% - 95%. Hence, a single dose vaccine will not provide the needed immunity. Measles in adults affects younger population generally. Diagnosis of measles in those above 40 years of age should be made with caution. Measles incidence follows a seasonal trend. Cases are maximum during September to April months with a peak during winter months when relative humidity is low.
Authors and Affiliations
Sheela Mathew, Junais Koleri
Keywords
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- EP ID EP399106
- DOI 10.14260/jemds/2018/205
- Views 90
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