[Measles in Norway. The first 6 months of 1988].

The incidence rate of measles in Norway in the first six months of 1988 was 2.6 per 100,000. This is the lowest half-yearly incidence rate registered in Norway, but because of a change in the method of reporting the figures are not directly comparable. There was an epidemic in Norway's northernmost county (Finnmark) and an outbreak in an army camp in the county of Troms (also in the north). On a national basis 48% of the cases were preventable, but there were considerable local variations. In Finnmark 77% of cases were preventable. No serious complications (death or encephalitis) were registered but the rate of other complications was higher than expected. There was an even distribution of cases in the different age-groups up to 15 years, but there were considerable local variations. Despite the low incidence rate there is much that suggests that immunization coverage is still low in some areas. If the goal of eliminating indigenous measles by 1990 is to be achieved then urgent action is required to improve immunization coverage. Intensification of preventive measures around individual cases is also necessary. Suggestions for measures to further reduce the incidence rate of measles in Norway are included in the conclusions to the article.