Epidemiology Postulates for More Effective Specific Preventive of Measles in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

1. After the introduction of obligatory mass vaccination of children against measles in Bosnia, the morbidity rate decreased 2,5 times (1964—1969 v. postvaccination period 1973—1979).

After some time, the case fatality rate decreased 18,6 times.

2. The increase of measles incidence has still been occurring every 2 to 3 years, and there has been no change in the seasonal incidence of measles.

3. As a result of mass vaccination the epidemics are occurring rarely, and the age incidence of measles is shifting to the older age-groups of children.

4. Failure to decrease morbidity rate under 50 per 100.000 inhabitants author attributes to unsatisfactory number of vaccinated children, to some technical errors („cold ehain” very often absent) and perhaps to the necessity for revaccination, which requires more data obtained through laboratory and field research.