Measles immunity and immunization in developing countries of Africa: a review.

Although an effective vaccine against measles has been available for several years, the disease is still prevelant in Africa. The disease is characterized by its occurrence in younger age groups and high morbidity and mortality. The African child is born with a high transplacentally acquired measles antibody level. However, the antibody declines rapidly, so that it is virtually absent after the age of 6 months. The measles vaccine with which the African child is immunized is of reduced potency because of poor storage and transportation facilities and the adverse effect of tropical climate on the vaccine. The pattern of measles immunity in Africa is different from that in developed countries. Measles immunization schedule in Africa, as in any other part of the world, must be based on sound epidemiological and serological data.