Background & Objectives: Despite of the global effort to enhance measles immunization coverage, measles outbreaks still occur; ranking measles at the top among all vaccine preventable diseases. Measles causes high morbidity and mortality especially when clinical cases are not properly managed and complications developed.[1] A hospital based case series study of suspected Measles patients was carried out with the objectives of assessing the current burden of Measles at this institution, seasonality, immunization status and laboratory confirmation of cases. Methodology: The study was conducted among 306 admitted Measles/ Rubella patients at an Infectious Disease Hospital of Kolkata from January to December’2019. Interview of patients and care-givers were conducted along with review of follow-up of investigation reports. Results: Study revealed that majority of the patients (61.1%) were above 15 years age group and 10.1% cases occurred among children of 0-9 months age group. Majority were males (57.8%), belonged to urban areas (70.6%), only 19.9% patients had definite history of vaccination. Seasonal variation was found with 2 peaks; one in March-April and another in October- November months. Significant difference was observed in vaccination status of patients’ upto 15 years and above 15 years age groups. Out of the total 306 study subjects, laboratory confirmed Measles were 61.4% and Rubella 4.2%. Interpretation and Conclusion: Adolescents and adults constitutes majority of study subjects. Strengthening of childhood vaccination coverage along with provision for adult vaccination is needed.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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