Factors associated with a measles outbreak in children admitted at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos

• Main Authors: Douangdala Phouvieng (Author), Keomany Sommay (Author), Vorasane Banlieng (Author), Phounesavath Khamphouvanh (Author), Souvannasing Phoutthalavanh (Author), Khomthilat Tiengthong (Author), Mayxay Mayfong (Author), Philavong Khamseng (Author), Srour Leila (Author), Newton Paul N (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2007-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2002 and 2003 there were large outbreaks of measles in many provinces of Laos, including in Vientiane. We therefore conducted a study to determine risk factors associated with measles amongst children admitted at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective case-control study was conducted in 50 children with clinical measles who were matched by age and sex with 50 healthy children (who had never had a febrile rash) living in the same villages as the cases.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The proportion of children with complete immunizations was significantly lower in the group with clinical measles compared to the controls [13/50 (26%) vs 34/50 (68%), <it>P </it>< 0.001). The percentage of children who had received measles vaccine at 9-23 months of age was significantly lower in the group with clinical measles compared to the healthy controls [12/50 (24%) vs 24/50 (48%), <it>P </it>= 0.01). The family educational and socio-economic status did not differ significantly (<it>P </it>> 0.05) between cases and controls.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results emphasize the importance of intensification of measles immunization coverage in Laos. The strengthening of campaigns with large, widespread high second dose coverage is likely to be a key measure to prevent further measles outbreaks in Laos (192 words).</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1471-2458-7-193
1471-2458