Measles notifications -- the first year.

Measles is a major cause of childhood mortality in the developing world. Observed trends in the USA confirm the efficacy of a measles control programme. South Africa launched such a programme in 1975 with the introduction of free vaccine for all children. In order to enhance and monitor this campaign, measles became a notifiable condition on 24 August 1979. Notifications received in the first year are reviewed and the observed patterns are discussed.