Measles mortality and ethnic groups

Abstract

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.