The acute impacts of measles on vitamin A status of children were assessed. Children with measles had significantly lower serum vitamin A, retinol-binding protein (RBP), and carotene concentrations than did controls. Thirty-two percent of the measles patients had serum vitamin A concentrations less than 10 micrograms/dl. Since measles and xerophthalmia have frequently been associated, vitamin A supplementation for measles patients is recommended particularly for malnourished children.