Measles hospitalizations, United States, 1977-84: comparison with national surveillance data

Trends in measles discharges from hospitals participating in the Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities, Professional Activities Study (CPHA-PAS) from 1977 to 1984 reflected the rapid decline in measles morbidity indicated by national surveillance data with an 88 per cent decrease in hospitalizations and a 95 per cent decrease in reported cases from 1977 to 1984. Overall trends in number, age, and seasonal distribution were also generally similar. Thirty-four per cent of the hospitalizations listed respiratory complications, 8.5 per cent otitis media, and 3.4 per cent neurologic complications.