The public health problem created by measles in the developing countries

Abstract

It is likely that the severity of measles varies in different areas of the world more than any of the other common infective diseases of childhood. In an epidemic in West Africa a doctor is likely to encounter 250 deaths for every death that he would encounter in a similar sized epidemic in England. This severe form of measles is similar to that seen in the past in Europe. Its distribution needs further study, but there is evidence that it is common in many of the so-called developing countries and that it is more frequent in the lower socio-economic groups. The reason for this may be found in the child's environment. Its state of nutrition before, during and after the attack of measles, may strongly influence the course and outcome of the disease. © 1965 Springer-Verlag.