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

BACKGROUND

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).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrointestinal and liver involvement in adults with measles is common.