The pattern of measles in Ilorin.

A review of 598 cases of measles admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (Nigeria) between January 1982 and December 1984, was undertaken. One hundred and fourteen children (19%) had measles by the age of nine months, and the number increased to 298 (49.8%) by 12 months of age. There were 207 (34.6%) cases during the second year of life and only 93 children second year of life and only 93 children (15.5%) were above two years of age. The most prevalent months for measles was found to be February, March and April, when 312 (52.29) of the cases occurred. Overall mortality was 71 (11.9%) with 58 (81.7%) deaths occurring among children two years and below. The commonest complications were bronchopneumonia and gastroenteritis with dehydration. Early immunization and further research, particularly into the optimum age for immunization is advocated.