[Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic study of the measles in the Aioun regional hospital in Mauritania].

Our cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aioun Regional Hospital from February 1 to April 30, 2011, and included all cases of active measles. Its objectives were to determine the epidemiological, clinical, prognostic features of this disease. The case definition was that of World Health Organization (WHO). In three months, we collected 36 cases, which accounted for 8.84% (36/407) of admissions. The M/F sex ratio was 1.25, and the patients' mean age 16.5 years (range: 1-33 years). The majority of the patients came from rural areas (72%) and 89% had not been vaccinated against measles. The maculopapular rash had irregular contours and intervals of healthy skin. The main clinical manifestations that accompanied the fever and rash were respiratory (83%) and digestive (42%) manifestations. Other associated signs included dehydration (22%), malnutrition (14%), and convulsions (8%). The average duration of hospitalization was 7.5 days ± 3 days (range: 2-12). The overall case fatality rate was 8%. The factors of poor prognosis were non-vaccination (P = 0.018), malnutrition (P = 0.0059), and convulsions (P = 0.0553). Measles remains a public health problem in Mauritania. Strong efforts should be made to improve epidemiological surveillance and vaccination for better control of this disease.