Measles mortality and ethnic groups
Anderson, C.M.
South African Medical Journal 62(3): 86-88
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 7046101 Document Number: 195827
Measles is a relatively unusual disease in that the fatality rate is very low in modern Western populations, while in 'virgin soil'--isolated populations of other races or ethnic groups--mortality rates may exceed 25%. Possible explanations for this difference are examined, including genetics, culture, epidemiology and malnutrition. All four factors, especially differences in nutritional state and in culture, might have a significant effect in increasing mortality rates for measles in Black Africans. The cultural milieu can be exceedingly influential and must not be overlooked by doctors treating Black patients.