Measles in adults during an outbreak in Spain: hospitalization associated with gastrointestinal and liver involvement

Infection. 2014 Aug;42(4):763-5. doi: 10.1007/s15010-014-0650-0. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Abstract

Introduction: Measles is a viral infection that affects skin and other organs and systems.

Methods: We collected retrospectively the characteristics of 147 consecutive adult patients with measles during an outbreak in Spain (January-June 2012).

Results: They complained of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in 48.3, 39.5 and 27.2 %, respectively. The liver was involved in 67.5 % of patients. Thirty-eight patients (25.9 %) were admitted to the hospital. Associated with hospital admission were dyspnea [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 49.8], abnormal alanine aminotransferase (aOR: 29), odynophagia (aOR: 12.5) and vomiting (aOR: 58).

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal and liver involvement in adults with measles is common.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Young Adult