The Role of Immunization Status and Vitamin An in Outbreak of Measles among Patients Admitted in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital October 2010-April 2011

Background: Measles is a highly contagious viral illness; it is endemic in Iraq and worldwide developing countries. Measles is carrying many complications with morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the role of previous immunization agonist measles and the use of the vitamin A to decrease the mortality and morbidity of disease. Patients & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital included 632 patients (318 males at age 15-42 years & 314 females at age 17-42 years) whose admitted to hospital for the period between October 2010 to April 2011. Diagnosis was according to the clinical manifestation and confirmed by ELISA for detected antibody (IgM & IgG). Results: The study shows the role of immunization against measles. It is very important to control out break and decrease mortality and morbidity of the disease, therefor must be re immunization against measles in booster dose in the 18th & 30th years old, and in premarital program in Iraq to decrease the outbreak in pregnants women's to decrease mortality and morbidity among mothers and babies. Conclusion: The use of vitamin A in treatment of measles patient to decrease mortality and morbidity of disease, and must be supplement to child and scholar in outbreak season of disease