Seroprevalence and Associated Risks of Measles Infection in Children (0-18 Months) Presenting with High Fever in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Measles is an acute viral illness caused by the measles virus (MeV) in the paramyxovirus family. Measles is transmitted via droplets from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat. Measles occurs worldwide, and it is still a significant cause of childhood disease despite the existence of an effective vaccine. A hospital-based study of children 0-18 months presenting with high fever across selected hospitals within Jos, north-central Nigeria, was conducted between September 2023 and April 2024. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before this research study. The seroprevalence of the measles virus in children (0-18 months) presenting with high fever within Jos in north-central Nigeria was determined. A standard and well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on biodata, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of measles infection in children. 92 blood samples were collected and analyzed for the measles virus using a commercial ELISA kit. The data obtained from the questionnaire and the results from laboratory screening were analyzed using an appropriate statistical tool. A total of 14 samples were positive for measles IgG antibodies, giving a prevalence of 15.2% among children with high fever in Jos. Analysis of risk factors showed statistically significant associations with parents’ level of education, occupation, type of family, and nature of residence (p< 0.05). This study further established age, sex, nutritional status of children, vaccination status, and vitamin A supplement intake; parents' occupation, educational status, and family type as important sociodemographic factors playing varying roles in the risk of measles infection in children. On this note, the relationship between measles infection and sociodemographic characteristics showed no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between measles infection with age and sex of the children. However, nutritional and vaccination status of children, vitamin A supplement intake, parental occupation, and education were key risk factors for measles infection in children.