Adoua Doukaga T^{1, 2}, Atipo-Ibara Ollandzobo LC^{1, 3}, Bendett Lebaho P2¹, Ekat M², Angonga Pabota E², Ossibi Ibara BR^{1, 2,}

Objective: to determine the prevalence of measles at Brazzaville University Hospital and identify associated factors. Patients and method: Prospective descriptive and analytical study of measles cases recorded in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital during the period from July¹ to December 31, 2022. Results: A total of 65 cases of measles were recorded (5.6% of admissions) in children aged on average 31.3 ±33.5 (3-168) months, male (n= 39; 60%), attending primary school (n=9; 13.8%), living in town (n=58; 89.2%), with absent vaccination status (n=45; 69.2%). The median weight was 3kg, and the mean age at food diversification was 4.4±1.3(1-6) months. The children were the^2nd siblings (n=19; 29.2%), and there was a notion of contage (n=41; 63.1%). The mothers were 29.6±7.1 (18-44) years old on average, housewives (n=21; 32.3%) and secondary school students (n=38; 58.5%). The parents were living common-law (n=60;92.3%), had a low socio-economic status (n=58;89.2%) and had 6 children (n=6;9.2%). Fever and rash were the main reasons for consultation in 73.8% respectively. Crepitus rales were present (n=33;50.8%), as was a morbiliform rash (n=61; 93.8%). Chest radiography revealed an interstitial syndrome (n=13; 73.5%). GERH was positive (n=22; 33.8%). Average hospital stay was 6.5±2.7 (1-15) days. Progression under treatment was favorable in 63 cases (96.9%). Respiratory distress was the main complication (n=2; 100%). Level of education was associated with death (p=0.001).Conclusion: The high prevalence of measles is associated with unvaccinated children living in parents' disadvantaged socio-professional circumstances. The only effective measure to break the epidemic is to vaccinate the population concerned correctly.

Measles, epidemic, prevalence, CHU, Brazzaville