The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 627 suspected measles cases across 30 states and 213 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of January 31, 2025.
Despite the alarming number, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, noted a significant improvement compared to January 2024, when the country recorded 2,157 cases.
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours, making transmission extremely easy. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a widespread rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death, especially among unvaccinated children.
Katsina, Jigawa Lead in Measles Cases
According to NCDC’s latest report, 112 of the suspected cases (17.86%) have been laboratory-confirmed, though no deaths have been recorded so far. The highest number of cases was reported in:
- Katsina – 102 cases
- Jigawa – 84 cases
- Akwa Ibom – 56 cases
- Kebbi – 52 cases
- Enugu – 32 cases
A shocking 81.3% of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received a single dose of the measles vaccine, highlighting a major gap in immunisation coverage. The majority of cases (46.4%) were recorded in children aged 9 to 59 months.
As of January 31, 38 LGAs across 18 states were experiencing active measles outbreaks, with Katsina reporting the highest number of affected LGAs (7). Other states with multiple outbreak zones include Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, each with three LGAs affected.
NCDC Urges Vaccination to Curb Spread
Dr. Idris emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks. The recommended measles vaccine, typically given as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is administered in two doses at nine months and 15 months, in line with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines.
To contain the outbreak, NCDC is ramping up:
Routine immunisation efforts, particularly in high-risk areas
Early detection and rapid response to new cases
Public health awareness campaigns to encourage vaccination
Dr. Idris also called for stronger community engagement, improved vaccine accessibility, and better collaboration between health agencies and local communities to eliminate measles in Nigeria.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the recommended doses and advised Nigerians to stay informed through official health updates while participating in vaccination campaigns.
