CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN WITH MEASLES AT TAM ANH GENERAL HOSPITAL IN HANOI
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted via respiratory droplets, predominantly affecting young children and associated with significant complications. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced vaccination coverage has led to a resurgence of measles cases globally and in Vietnam. This study aimed to describe the clinical epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized pediatric measles cases in Tam Anh general hospital.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on children under 15 years old with laboratory-confirmed measles, admitted to the Pediatric Department of Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, from October 2024 to September 2025.
Results: A total of 148 pediatric patients were included. Infants younger than 9 months accounted for the largest proportion (39.2%), with patients ranging in age from 3 months to 14 years and 11 months. Male patients predominated (61.5%). Approximately 80% of patients were unvaccinated. Cases were concentrated between March and May. Common clinical features included fever (100%), rash (100%), cough (100%), upper respiratory symptoms (93.9%), and conjunctivitis (71.6%). The mean duration of fever was 5.86 ± 1.32 days. Complications occurred in 82.4% of patients, most commonly pneumonia (70.9%) and gastroenteritis (41.2%). Infant (< 2 years old), unvaccinated children had a higher risk of complications.
Conclusions: Measles remains a significant health concern in young children, especially among those unvaccinated. A high rate of complications was observed, with pneumonia being the most critical. Strengthening immunization programs is essential to reduce disease burden and complications.
Keywords
Measles, complication, pneumonia
Article Details
References
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