Measles: Epidemiological Characteristics and Associated Factors of Patients Admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Brazzaville University Hospital

Abstract

Objectives. To describe the epidemiological aspects of measles cases admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit and to identify associated factors. Methodology. This is a prospective study based on a descriptive and an analytical study of measles cases admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit between December 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018. Results. Thirty-eight patients were admitted (3.6% of admissions), predominantly male (n = 24, 63.2%), mean age 2.5 ± 2.6, Brazzaville resident (n = 34; 5%) with no vaccination status (n = 32, 84.2%). The fathers’ average age was 34.74 years (23-52 years) with a primary education level in 44.7% of cases (n = 17). The mothers’ average was 29.39 years (18-40 years) and 45% of them had a primary level of education. The patients had an average of 6.16 ± 2 days for fever (n = 38, 100%); skin rash (n = 37, 97.4%), convulsions (n = 7, 18.4%) and rhinorrhea (n = 18, 47.4%). The average weight was 11.16 kilos (8-16 kg). 11 patients showed cases of malnutrition (28.9%). Retroviral serology and thick blood were positive in 6 patients (15.8%) respectively. The mean duration of hospitalization was 6.84 ± 1 days. The evolution was positive for 34 patients (89.5%). Four patients (10.5%) died. Seizures (P = 0.000), undernutrition (p = 0.013) and anemia (p = 0.000) had a statistically significant influence on the occurrence of death in patients. Conclusion. Measles remains a public health problem in Congo, especially among children who have not been or have been inadequately vaccinated. The dreadful complications justify the emergency of the prevention which passes by the systematic vaccination of the target population in order to stop the chain of transmission.