Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of measles in almaty in 2023-2024

Despite the existing routine calendar of vaccination of children against measles, there was an increase in the incidence of measles in the post-covid period, with cases of severe course and mortality.
The purpose of this work is to determine the predictors of the measles clinic, indicating a worsening of the epidemiological situation of this infection.
Materials and methods. The cases of measles in patients hospitalized in the DGKIB in Almaty for 2023-2024 were retrospectively analyzed.
Results. An analysis of the epidemiological and clinical picture of measles in 2023-2024 showed that measles is currently registered in children of different age groups, with a predominance in I – 2103 (19 %), II – 3752 (34 %) and III – 3082 (28 %) age groups. Over the past 2 years, there has been a severe course of measles, especially in children of age groups I – 2059 (19 %), II – 3677 (34 %) and III – 3022 (28%). Boys – 4637 (54 %) cases are more common than girls – 3973 (46 %). The most common complications of measles are pneumonia, otitis media, diarrhea, and cases of meningitis and encephalitis have also been reported.
Conclusions. Severe forms of measles prevailed among children of groups I, II, III. The reason for the high incidence and severity was inadequate vaccination or lack thereof. Thus, it is necessary to strictly follow the vaccination schedule starting at 1 year and earlier for epidemic indications starting at 9 months of life. It is advisable to vaccinate risk groups - children with background diseases, malformations, chronic diseases, as well as children from preschool and school institutions.

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