Evaluation of Pediatric Measles Cases Hospitalized in 2019

OBJECTIVE: Outbreaks of measles were seen throughout the world in 2018-2019, including Turkey. Measles outbreak in Turkey may be attributed to cases imported from European countries and increased rate of unvaccinated children due to the massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The demographic details and clinical and laboratory findings of the patients hospitalized with diagnosis of measles in the Pediatric Clinic of Adana City Hospital in 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 38 children enrolled, 18 were female (47.4%), the median age was 12 months (3-199 months), 20 were Turkish citizens (52.6%), and 18 (47.4%) were refugees. Twenty-seven children had vaccination data available, with 25 unvaccinated for measles. None of the families declared vaccine hesitancy. Of the unvaccinated subgroup (n = 25), 19 (76%) were younger than 12 months. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.13 ± 2.67 days, no mortalities occurred. Measles was encountered in the social circle of 10 cases, although only 2 families applied for prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Among the children with measles, 10 of the cases were reported to be within the household of previously diagnosed measles cases, but only 2 of them were given prophylaxis. Awareness regarding use of post-exposure prophylaxis against measles should be increased. Efforts to keep the measles vaccination coverage rate above optimal levels should be encouraged in regions with concentration of irregular refugees.