Hospitalization rate due to measles in an area of the South East of Italy during an outbreak in the years 2002-2003.

Aim. Usually measles is not severe, but serious complications can occur and thus hospitalization is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the reasons of hospitalizations of the persons affected by measles and the severity of disease as a result of measles infection. Methods. During an outbreak from 2002 to 2003 in the province of Taranto, 73 hospitalized persons affected by measles were evaluated. Results. The age of the 73 hospitalized patients ranged between 1 and 42 years old (median age 14.5 years). An hospitalizations rate of 63% was reported in the first 4 months of 2003. Measles-related complications were observed in 35.6% of cases. In 14 cases (19%) we observed a pneumonia with a concomitant myocardititis and pancreatitis in 2 cases. Postmeasles encephalitis was diagnosed in 7 cases (9.5%). In 2 cases a concomitant myelitis occurred, with the presence of sequelae at the time of discharge but none permanent. Measles related appendicitis was observed in 5 males (6.8%) and appendectomy was performed in all cases. Data analysis showed that the patients with an age <15 years old had a higher risk of complications than patients with an age ≥15 years. None death was reported. Conclusion. At present, measles and its related complications continue to be a serious illness even in industrialized countries, only a complete immunization vaccine strategy could permit measles' eradication.