- 627 suspected measles cases reported across 30 states and 213 LGAs as of January 31, 2025.
- Significant drop from 2,157 cases recorded in January 2024.
- 38 LGAs across 18 states experiencing active measles outbreaks.
- Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.
- NCDC intensifies efforts to eliminate measles through strengthened routine immunization, early detection, and rapid response.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant decrease in suspected measles cases across the country. As of January 31, 2025, there were 627 suspected cases reported across 30 states and 213 Local Government Areas (LGAs), marking a drop from 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 linger in the air or on surfaces for hours, making transmission easy. Symptoms typically start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body .
This decrease in measles cases is a positive development, but continued vigilance and vaccination efforts are necessary to prevent outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation, and even death, especially among unvaccinated children and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the measles situation report for Epidemiological Week 7 (February 10-16, 2025), Nigeria has seen a notable improvement in measles cases compared to the same period in 2024. Out of 112 suspected cases, 17.86% were laboratory-confirmed, with no deaths recorded. This is a significant drop from the 23 confirmed measles deaths in 2024, which resulted in a case fatality rate of 0.96%.
The report also highlights the top five states with the highest number of suspected cases: Katsina (102), Jigawa (84), Akwa Ibom (56), Kebbi (52), and Enugu (32). These states account for over half of the national total.
What’s concerning, however, is that 81.3% of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received any dose of the measles vaccine. This underscores a significant gap in immunization coverage, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination efforts to prevent measles outbreaks .
As of January 31, Nigeria is experiencing measles outbreaks across 38 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 18 states. Katsina state has the highest number of affected LGAs, with 7 areas reporting outbreaks. Other states with multiple outbreak-affected LGAs include Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, each with three affected LGAs.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles-containing vaccine, typically administered as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is given in two doses: the first at 9 months and the second at 15 months, following the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines.
Interestingly, Nigeria has seen a significant decrease in measles cases, from 2,157 cases in January 2024 to 627 suspected cases as of January 31, 2025. This drop is a positive development, but continued vigilance and vaccination efforts are necessary to prevent outbreaks .
To combat measles outbreaks, Nigeria is focusing on several key strategies. Strengthening Routine Immunization is crucial, particularly in high-risk areas, to prevent the spread of the disease. Early Detection and Rapid Response are also vital in addressing suspected cases quickly and effectively .
In addition to these measures, Public Health Awareness Campaigns play a significant role in encouraging vaccination and educating the public about the importance of immunization. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has emphasized the need for Increased Community Engagement, Better Vaccine Accessibility, and Stronger Collaboration between health agencies and local communities to eliminate measles .
To stay ahead of the outbreak, Nigerians are urged to Stay Informed through official health updates and Participate in Vaccination Campaigns. By working together, Nigeria can curb the spread of measles and achieve its goal of eliminating the disease .
