The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 627 suspected cases of measles across 30 states and 213 local government areas (LGAs) as of January 31, 2025.
The report, shared by NCDC director-general, Dr. Jide Idris in Abuja on Wednesday, indicates a significant decline in cases compared to the 2,157 cases recorded in January 2024.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for hours, making transmission easy and rapid. The disease typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a widespread rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, particularly among unvaccinated children and those with weakened immune systems.
Idris presented findings from the measles situation report for Epidemiological Week 7 (February 10–16, 2025), revealing that 112 of the suspected cases, or 17.86 per cent, had been laboratory-confirmed. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far this year, marking a significant improvement from 2024, which saw 23 measles-related deaths and a case fatality rate of 0.96 per cent.
Katsina (102 cases), Jigawa (84), Akwa Ibom (56), Kebbi (52) and Enugu (32) recorded the highest number of suspected cases, accounting for over half of the national total. Further analysis showed that 81.3 per cent of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received any dose of the measles vaccine, highlighting critical gaps in immunisation coverage. Additionally, nearly half of the confirmed cases – 46.4 percent – occurred in children aged between 9 and 59 months.
Idris disclosed that, as of January 31, active measles outbreaks had been reported in 38 LGAs across 18 states, with Katsina leading with outbreaks in seven LGAs. Other states experiencing multiple outbreaks included Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Sokoto, each reporting three affected LGAs.
He emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing measles outbreaks. The measles-containing vaccine (MCV), typically administered as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is given in two doses – at nine months and 15 months – following the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines. Strengthening routine immunisation, particularly in high-risk areas, is crucial for outbreak prevention.
Idris called for early detection and rapid response to suspected cases while urging the public to support vaccination efforts. He also highlighted the need for increased public awareness campaigns to encourage vaccine uptake, stressing that timely immunisation is key to reducing measles transmission.
The NCDC is intensifying efforts to improve measles surveillance and outbreak response, working closely with state governments and health partners to curb further spread. As part of these efforts, the agency is promoting community engagement, improving vaccine accessibility, and fostering stronger collaboration between health agencies and local communities.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain informed through official health updates and participate in vaccination campaigns to protect their children from the potentially deadly disease.
