ABSTRACT
Background: Despite efforts to promote widespread vaccination, measles still remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to review the pattern and outcome of measles patients admitted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital [BBH] Rawalpindi during measles epidemic 2013
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study
Period: Three months during measles epidemic 2013 [March - May]
Setting: Pediatric department BBH Rawalpind
Materials and Methods: Data regarding demographic profile, clinical presentation, complications and outcome of measles patients was collected and analyzed using SPSS 15
Results: A total of 192 patients of both sexes were included with mean age of 35.48 +/- 32.71 months. Majority of patients[71.4%] were unvaccinated and 88% had history of contact with measles patients. The common complications observed were pneumonia and pneumonia with gastroenteritis and both were found statistically significant in patients with malnutrition and low socioeconomic status
Conclusion: The current study concluded that improving measles immunization and nutritional status in children is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality of measles