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ISSN 2063-5346
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Recent Measles (Rubeola) Outbreak in India and its A typical Presentation

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Diwan Israr khan, Mohd Kashif Ali, Swaleha Akhtar, Sadia Riaz, Nawalur Rehman Khan
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.9.180

Abstract

Measles, one of the most infectious human diseases, can lead to severe illness, lifelong complications, and death. In 2021, measles claimed the lives of an estimated 128,000 people, predominantly children under the age of five. This translates to approximately 350 measles-related deaths each day or more than 14 deaths every hour. Methodology: The study included all reported cases of measles in children under 15 years old throughout the study period. Measles diagnosis relied on clinical symptoms such as fever, maculopapular rash, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Complicated cases were admitted, treated appropriately, and their outcomes were recorded. Results: From January 2022 to March 2023, a total of 230 measles cases were recorded at the Department of Pediatrics, JNMCH. Among them, 160 (69.56%) were male, and 70 (30.43%) were female. Out of the total cases, 70 (30.43%) were children under 10 months, 110 (47.82%) were aged between 10-60 months, and 50 (21.3%) were between 60-156 months. Regarding measles vaccination, only 90 (39.13%) cases had received both doses, while 90 (39.13%) had received only one dose, and 50 (21.3%) had not received any dose. Measles-associated complications were observed, with pneumonia being the most frequent complication, affecting 110 (47.82%) cases. Other complications included hepatitis-30 (13.14%), acute gastroenteritis-30 (13.14%), pharyngitis and nasopharyngitis-40 (17.39%), meningoencephalitis-10 (4.34%), and acute renal failure-10 (4.34%). Additionally, 20 children (8.69%) suffered from severe acute malnutrition, and 20 (8.69%) of the total measles cases resulted in death, primarily due to pneumonia and acute renal failure. Conclusion: Measles remains a significant problem in remote, impoverished regions with low vaccination rates, especially among rural and nomadic communities. Complications are more likely to occur in measles patients who have inadequate immunization and suffer from malnutrition. In this study about 30% of affected children are below 10 months of age, significant portion of children were having hepatic and renal complication and approximately 40 % of affected children had received 2 doses of measles vaccine

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