Objective Measles, predominantly impacting the pediatric population, manifests symptoms encompassing fever, rash, rhinorrhea, cough, conjunctivitis, accompanied by infrequent yet plausible life-threatening complications.

Methods This retrospective study conducted between January 2022 and July 2023 at a 1,105-bed tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, was focused on children diagnosed with measles and aged <18 years. Cases with measles-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies or with measles virus RNA detected by polymerase chain reaction were defined as definite measles cases.

Results A total of 78 pediatric patients were diagnosed with measles, of whom 40 were evaluated as definite (51.3%) cases. Among the definite cases, 29 (72.5%) and 11 (27.5%) were girls and boys, respectively. Their median age was 78 (42–158) months. It was observed that 28 (70%) patients were unvaccinated against measles, whereas data on the vaccination status of 6 (15%) patients could not be obtained. As for the symptoms, rash was observed in all diagnosed patients (100%), fever in 37 (92.5%), cough in 27 (67.5%). In addition, pneumonia was observed in 20 patients (50%). Vitamin A was administered to 5 (12.5%) patients below 2 years old. Of the patients, 29 (72.5%) were hospitalized. Three patients required intensive care unit follow-up. No mortality was recorded. When outpatients and inpatients were compared, the incidence rate of pneumonia was statistically higher in inpatients (p = 0.013).

Conclusions Recent World Health Organization data reveal a surge in childhood measles instances, underscoring the imperative of bolstering vaccination rates to fortify societal immunity and safeguard individuals against potential complications.

Z.Y. and M.A. analyzed the data and drafted the manuscript. Z.Y., N.H.Z., and M.A. critically reviewed the analyses. Z.Y., N.H.Z., M.A., U.Y., C.Ç., A.K., and Y.A. reviewed and commented on initial and final drafts of the manuscript.

Received: 29 March 2024

Accepted: 18 September 2024

Article published online:
24 October 2024

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