Measles in Vietnamese refugee children in Hong Kong

Abstract

From September 1991–January 1992, there was a measles epidemic in an established refugee camp for 7000 Vietnamese ‘Boat People’ living in Hong Kong. This 16 week outbreak occurred against a backdrop of poor uptake of measles vaccination and overcrowded living conditions. Two hundred and sixty-two children were affected (155 boys, 107 girls); 235 children (89·7%) were <2 years old, age range 5–39 months. Children age 6–11 months had the highest crude attack rate (AR) of 54·3%. The highest age specific crude AR was 83·8% in children aged 14 months. Measles complications affected 234 (89·3%) children. Sixty-six children (25·2%) were admitted to hospital. There were two deaths from pneumonia, giving a case fatality rate of 0·76%. Measles control in refugee camps continues to be a public health challenge.