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
