Measles in Ghana—1973–1982

SUMMARY

Admissions of children with measles constituted 8.8% of all admissions to the paediatric medical service of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, over the ten-year-period 1973–1982. Measles remains endemic in urban Accra as in the towns of other developing nations. The peak of admissions occurred in the age range seven to 12 months.

Complications were frequent, with a high mortality (16–86%). Bronchopneumonia, the commonest complication (63–9%) was also the commonest cause of death in 51.5% of cases. Comparative national case-mortality rates were, however, surprisingly low and should be accepted with caution. There is an urgent need for intensification of immunization efforts through amalgamation of the preventive and curative services of Ghana, especially for children attending health centres for medical care. Vaccination should be administered before the peak age of admission, preferably at six months of age, with a second dose administered as soon after one year of age as possible.