Causes of Measles Outbreak in Al-Sader city-Baghdad/Iraq

Background: measles is a highly contagious viral disease causes high mortality and morbidity in pediatrics. It is a preventable disease (by vaccination). So vaccination is a major issue in preventing the disease and its spread. The study conducted in this research work aims to allocate the causes of new epidemic of measles in Al-Sader city and its prevention if a future attack may occur. Patients and methods: A case-control study done on patients attend Al-Imam Ali hospital from 1st of march to 31st of may. Data collected from patients who diagnosed clinically as measles (318 patients) and from patients attend the same hospital for other medical problems (3280 patients). Results: Measles diagnosed clinically in 318 patients. 73.6% of them (their ages 5 years and younger), 13.8% were vaccinated and 22.9% were from low socioeconomic class. 97.1% were in close contact with measles cases; 48.7% were admitted to the hospital. Unfortunately one baby died (age was 9 months). Conclusion: vaccination programs should be more effective, age of first measles vaccine should be re-evaluated. While public education about vaccination and diseases control should be taught via various media channels.