Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Measles Cases; The 2023 Outbreak in Northern Jordan

The measles outbreak in Northern Jordan predominantly affected unvaccinated children, particularly those under nine months of age. While vaccination reduced the risk of severe complications (eg, pneumonia occurred in 75% of unvaccinated vs 25% of vaccinated cases), breakthrough infections in vaccinated children underscore the need for optimized immunization strategies. Respiratory complications, including pneumonia, were the leading cause of hospitalization and mortality, highlighting the vaccine's critical role in mitigating disease severity. Strengthening vaccination coverage and revisiting age-specific policies in high-risk regions remain essential to reduce measles-related morbidity and mortality.