Epidemiology of Measles in Tanzania: A Hospital-Based Survey of Measles Morbidity and Mortality

Objective: To estimate measles morbidity and mortality in selected regions on mainland Tanzania
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Hospital-based review of existing records on measles morbidity and mortality in the selected district hospitals on mainland Tanzania.
Methods: Review of records on measles morbidity and mortality was performed using a standard instrument adopted from the Ministry of Health. The instrument was pre-tested before use. Researchers were recruited from the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences and were trained on how to collect data from the hospital records. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Health in Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival in the respective regions, the researchers recruited and trained local research assistants on methods of data collection. Completed questionnaire forms were entered into a computer and data cleaning was done before data analysis.
Results: Measles was found to occur in individuals of over 15 years of age and beyond. Overall 35% (N=2277) of all measles cases were reported from the Iringa region while Mara region had the lowest number of cases. On the other hand Shinyanga had the highest case fatality rate (6%) compared with other regions. Mortality was higher in children below two years of age and among individuals who had no history of measles vaccination.
Conclusion: We conclude that despite high measles vaccination coverage, measles is still a public health problem in Tanzania. Efforts should be made to give several booster doses up to the age of 15 years.