Measles morbidity and mortality in the department of child health, Dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan, in 1973-1977

Abstract

176 cases with measles have been hospitalized at the Department of Child Health, Dr. Pirngadi Hospital, Medan in 1973 - 1977. The fatality rate was 26.1%. The most frequent complications found were pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea and dehydration. Age-specific mortality, as expected, was highest in the 0 - 1 year age group (38.6%). A high proportion of the survivors (22.2%) showed recidual signs of brain damage and blindness. This study proved that active immunization against measles in Indonesia must have priority.